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Ol’ Blue Eyes had great taste in automobiles. We look back at Sinatra’s collection of rare and exceptional cars.
“…and One More for the Road”
If it is the clothes that make the man, then it is the car that makes the celebrity. From Lambos to Eldorados, the flashy and impossibly expensive rides of the rich and famous illustrate their larger-than-life statuses. Frank Sinatra, like many celebrities past and present, had an affinity for cars, and as his fame and success grew, so did his collection of ultra-exclusive rides. Below we look back at the progression of Sinatra’s storied career and the cars he owned along the way.
1942 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible
Sinatra first big break was singing in Harry James big band in 1939. His stint with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in the early 1940s made the crooner a star, especially with young women. In 1942, Sinatra embarked on his solo career. During this time, he was known to drive a 1942 Chrysler New Yorker convertible. That was a low production model year as Chrysler, along with other major carmakers, shifted their factories over to war production.
1955 Ford Thunderbird
While Sinatra’s popularity had soared during the 1940s, record sales had begun to decline by the latter part of the decade, and by 1952 he had been dumped by Columbia and MCA Records. A new contract with Capitol Records and a new collaboration with arranger Nelson Riddle in 1953 saw a major turnaround for Sinatra with the release of From Here to Eternity. A series of successful records would follow. To celebrate his return to fame and fortune Frank bought himself a 1955 Ford Thunderbird. He liked the Thunderbird so much he went on to buy them for friends and girlfriends.
1956 Continental Mk II
Riding high through the 1950s, Sinatra also bought himself a 1956 Continental Mk II. The ultra-luxury car from Ford Motor Company was one of the most expensive in the world at $10,000, double that of an equivalent Cadillac and more than a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Despite high profile fans like Frank, the flagship Mk II was not a successful car for Ford. Such was the expense of building them that Ford lost approximately $1,000 per car on the Continental Mk II.
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Another exclusive and expensive ride of Sinatra’s was a 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The Brougham was what you bought when an Eldorado was not fancy enough for you. Brougham was loaded with luxury features from power seats, windows, brakes, and steering to metal drink tumblers and a custom cigarette case. Just 304 examples were built, and the car carried a $13,074 MSRP. The high price did not stop Frank from owning several examples of the car, including one that appeared with him in the 1960 Ocean’s Eleven film.
1962 Dual-Ghia L6.4
The rarest and most exclusive of all of Sinatra’s cars was his 1962 Dual-Ghia L6.4. The Dual-Ghia was built by Dual Motors in collaboration with Carrozzeria Ghia as basically a literal promotional vehicle, with the company choosing celebrities to sell the ultra-luxury car to. The cars were coach-built in Italy by Ghia, the same company who had designed Volkswagen’s Karmann-Ghia. Frank has his customized by George Barris (of the original Batmobile among other Hollywood custom jobs). Barris added redundant features like a back-up fuel pump and brake circuits. Just 26 cars were built, and other famous owners included Desi Arnaz, Richard Nixon, Dean Martin, and Rick Danko.
1969 Lamborghini Miura
By the late 1960s, Sinatra had become something of a vintage taste in music. But recordings like his most famous song, “My Way,” and work with contemporary pop artists like the Beatles and Joni Mitchell kept him busy and beloved by fans. For his 54th birthday, Sinatra bought himself a new 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400S finished in “arancio metallic” or metallic orange. The Miura is considered the world’s first true supercar and one of the most beautiful designs in automotive history. As great as the Miura was, Frank’s interest in the car eventually waned and he gave it away to a girlfriend who later traded it for a new Lamborghini Countach.
1975 Jaguar XJS
As part of his fourth marriage, this time to Barbra Manx, Frank and his new wife exchanged cars as wedding gifts. Barbra got a new Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow in blue (to match Frank’s eyes), while Frank received a new Jaguar XJS in British racing green.
I was at the Waldorf Astoria in the late 70’s and saw a Stutz Bearcat owned by Mr. Sinatra in the valet area. It was gold. Absolutely gorgeous.