Hugh Hefner Was The Original Playboy With A Legendary Car Collection

Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, died today at the age of 91. Hefner was know as a lady's man (to say the least), but was also a champion of free speech. Not everyone agreed with the vibrant way that Hefner lived his life, but its hard to deny that the man had style. The Playboy mansion was known for its legendary parties and its many live-in Playboy bunnies. Hefner wasn't only surrounded by women over the years, but by some incredible cars as well. We wanted to remember him in the only way we know how, by looking at his best cars.

Hefner founded Playboy back in 1953 using a small bank loan of $600. Back then, Hefner's first car was a rather average 1941 Chevy Coupe that he purchased in 1950. After just eight years, Playboy was worth over $20 million and Hefner was able to afford much nicer cars.

Hefner was particular fond of Mercedes-Benz. One of his favorite cars was the 1969 600 Pullman Limo. This six-door car was powered by a massive 6.3-liter V8 and had many famous owners including King Hussein, Mao Tse-Tung, Queen Elizabeth II, the Shah of Iran, Marshal Tito, President Ceasescu, Elvis Presely, the Pope, and Jeremy Clarkson (who had a normal wheelbase version). Hefner's 600 was actually sold at Barrett-Jackson for a reasonable $78,100. A 300SL convertible was also a part of Hefner's collection, as well a 1955 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible. Of course Hefner also made sure his bunnies rolled in style.

Playboy would give its Playmate of the Year a special car that was painted in pink. Some of these cars included a Volvo P1800, Ford Capri, Ford Mustang, Porsche 911 S, Sunbeam Tiger, and an AMC AMX that was featured on Jay Leno's Garage.

Hugh Hefner was definitely a legend. He lived one of the most lavish lifestyles most people could only dream of. Whether it was his own personal cars or the radical Playmate of the year cars, Hefner had a huge impact on car culture.