Lamborghini, Pagani, Mclaren, Ferrari, Bugatti—these luxury Supercars garner worldwide appeal and are commonly featured in popular culture, including film, video games, and music. From Future’s iconic rap lyric “I woke up in a new Bugatti,” to the renowned Fast and Furious film series, the Supercar has never failed to capture the minds and hearts of the masses. Many people hear or learn about these marvelous machines from afar through musicians, actors, or sports figures, but only few can experience them up close and personal. Today, in my CarCraze column, I’m inviting you behind the wheel of the wonderful, and often unknown world of Supercars!
But first a little history…..In 1886, Carl Benz patented the single cylinder motor engine and launched motor vehicle commercial production. As the early auto industry grew, in 1893, Charles Richard (C.R.) Patterson, who was formerly enslaved, became the first and only Black automotive manufacturer. Entering the industry as a successful carriage builder, C.R. passed down the company to his son, Frederick Douglass Patterson, who would go on to build the first Patterson car in 1915, remaining in business until 1939.
During this time, European manufacturers were also innovating the automotive industry. In the early 1900’s, companies like Bugatti, Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin were creating engineered moving art! While these early Sportscars captivated the automotive world, Ferrucio Lamborghini, a successful tractor manufacturer and car owner of several Ferraris, felt that many of the brands lacked the desired power and comfort of a true Gran Turismo! Taking his concerns to Enzo Ferrari, Lamborghini was ignored, causing him to modify his Ferrari 250’s speed performance, and ultimately building the first mid-engine car, the Miura–birthing the modern Supercar!
Over the years, cars such as the Lamborghini Murcielago and Ferrari F40 have been immortalized on young people’s bedroom walls as they fantasize about the cars they would one day own. In the age of social media, these vehicles, which range from $200,000 to over $40 million, have moved from the wall to the screen! With the growth of elite and local car shows on any given weekend, discerning car owners and enthusiasts gather together to share their passion for cars, as amateur and professional photogs swarm with excitement. Whether in Dubai, Los Angeles, Milano, or Johannesburg, people travel from near and far just to get a glimpse of the world’s rarest cars.
So the next time you watch one of the Fast and Furious movies, or are turning up to Drake and Travis Scott, remember this CarCraze extreme ride until I see you on the next lap!
