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Behind The Scenes: Exclusive Rides Owned By Ken Block and Other Racing Legends

Cameron Eittreim January 27, 2023

Ken Block was one of the most well-known motorsports superstars in the world. His unique brand Hoonigan became a household name in the rally car world. To be a rally car racer, you need to have a certain sense of danger, and Block pushed that envelope every day. His love for the rally car circuit and motorsports helped his career spanning over three decades. With the untimely loss of Block in a recent snowmobile crash, the motorsports world will never be the same.

Block left his mark on the automotive world, thanks in no small part to his insane, unique car collection. Other racing legends in the industry have also been known to have expensive car collections. People like Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. love to drive in civilian life almost as much as they did on the racetrack. With a substantial net worth of millions of dollars, there’s no surprise that these car enthusiasts can afford whatever they want to drive. To celebrate Block and the mark he made on the car world, we looked at the fast and expensive rides owned by him and other racing legends here.

2013 Ford F-150 Raptortrax (Ken Block)

Photo Credit: Instagram

One of the perks of being a famous auto celebrity like Ken Block is that you have the money to build your dream toys. Block did exactly that with the 2013 Ford F-150 Raptortrax. The Raptortrax was a specialty truck designed to be a giant snowmobile. Block showed off the Raptortrax for Motor Trend Magazine and annihilated mountains of snow (via SV Off-Road).

Photo Credit: Instagram

The 2013 Ford F-150 Raptortrax was a purpose-built project by Block. The idea behind the truck was to build something that climbs even the snowiest mountains. The Raptortrax took everything great about the Ford Raptor to the next level.

1994 Ford Escort Cosworth V2 (Ken Block)

Photo Credit: Edmunds

The Escort Cosworth was one of the best rally cars in the world, and Block was one of the most prolific drivers of the car. The 2.0L Turbocharged I4 motivated the Escort Cosworth V2 with authority and piloted Block to many victories on the track. The original Escort Cosworth Block owned caught fire and thus a new design was implemented (via Hoonigan Racing).

Photo Credit: Edmunds

The car provided 371 HP to the all-wheel-drive system coupled with a six-speed transmission. The car was a monster. Out of all the cars Block owned, the Cosworth V2 was a massive upgrade over his previous rally car. The Escort Cosworth was one of the top rally cars Ford ever built.

1977 Ford F-150 Hoonitruck (Ken Block)

Photo Credit: Edmunds

As we mentioned, the great thing about being a motorsports superstar is that you can afford to build whatever dream car you want. Block did exactly that when he commissioned the 1977 Ford F-150 Hoonitruck. Did you ever think you’d see a classic F-150 slam the ground and run rally circuits (via Motor Trend)?

Photo Credit: Edmunds

But Block has always been an innovator and the 1977 F-150 Hoonitruck was a special project they wanted to do. Most of the truck has been custom fabricated and there is little resemblance to the stock F-150 it was based upon.

1965 Ford Mustang HOONICORN RTR V1 (Ken Block)

Photo Credit: Edmunds

If there’s been any indication Block favors Fords, it’s because he does. The 1965 Ford Mustang HOONICORN RTR V1 was evidence of that. The Hoonicorn RTR V1 was a heavily modified, V8-powered rally car. The 845 HP at the wheels propel the car with authority and its low-slung body keeps it close to the road (via DuPont Registry).

Photo Credit: Edmunds

The special graphics combined with the muscle car aesthetic give the Hoonicorn RTR a true rally car vibe. The unique body design aspects that went into the car only took things to the next level as Block won numerous awards for the car.

Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2 (Ken Block)

Photo Credit: Edmunds

How do you build upon greatness? Add to the formula, and that’s what Block did with the Hoonicorn RTR V2. The main thing that the Hoonicorn RTR V2 had over the original was a boost in horsepower. The V8 engine pumped out a massive 1,400 HP, unfathomable for a rally car (via DuPont Registry).

Photo Credit: Edmunds

But let’s face it, Block was not the average rally car racer. His collection of high-priced rides was unlike anything else in the world. The most interesting thing was that none of these cars were street-legal, but he’d still be seen driving them around.

Ford Focus RS RX #43 (Ken Block)

Photo Credit: Edmunds

The Focus was influential in the rally racing circuit since its inception. Part of the reason for this success was the excellent design of the car. But Block decided to take things a step further with his personal rendition of the Focus RS. The RX #43 had a unique fiberglass body covered in unique Hoonigan vinyl (via Car Buzz).

Photo Credit: Edmunds

The engine under the hood of the Hoonigan Focus was what made it special. The 600 HP Block squeezed from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder was awe-inspiring. The Focus RS RX #43 was one of the most prevalent rally cars ever built.

2022 Audi S1 Hoonitron (Ken Block)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

Audi is one of the most well-known automotive companies in the rally racing world. The Quattro name has been one of the most iconic rally racing brands around. So naturally, it made the scene for Block to transform an ordinary Audi into a rally racing icon. The Hoonitron was built in partnership between Audi and Block and cost a reported $10 million to develop (via Audi).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The 1,400 HP electric four-wheel-drive shreds burnouts harder than most gas-powered rides. The S1 Hoonitron is the first electric rally car ever developed. It just shows that the future of motorsports is promising even without gas-powered engines.

2022 Porsche 911 Hoonipigasus (Ken Block)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The 2022 Porsche 911 Hoonipigasus ended up being the final car Block ever built and it was simply an amazing ride. The 1,400 HP performance of the 911 Hoonipigasus was unlike anything else ever developed. The pink paint job slapped on the outside of the Hoonipigasus just screams over the top (via CNET).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

But the stellar design and performance were unfortunately one of the last projects Block was involved in. Porsche was involved in the rally racing circuit before Ken Block got involved, but the Hoonipigasus was one of the most notable projects.

1933 Ford Three-Window Coupe (Jeff Gordon)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

You can’t mention NASCAR without mentioning the name Jeff Gordon. He was one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history. His unique approach to racing and fan relations helped cultivate the future of the sport. But Gordon also has a massive net worth and he has spent a considerable part of that money on custom cars (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

His most notable acquisition is the 1933 Ford Three-Window Coupe. The Three-Window Coupe was one of the most notable Ford models ever built. Gordon owns an all-black one with a lot of chrome treatments and performance.

1952 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible (Jeff Gordon)

1952 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible
Photo Credit: Classic Promenade

Gordon enjoys driving old rides, especially the 1952 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible. The Super 88 Convertible was a notable classic car in the GM lineage. The sleek black paint job was in line with the rest of the classic cars Gordon owns. There are aspects of the Super 88 Convertible that Gordon brought up to modern standards, such as the engine (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The sleek black paint job with whitewall tires and a lot of chrome do the car justice. There’s something to be said about the beauty of the classic Oldsmobile models. The brand was one of the most iconic nameplates in the GM brand portfolio.

Jaguar XK8 (Jeff Gordon)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The Jaguar brand was once one of the most elegant automakers in the world. The amount of time and detail that went into every Jaguar car was immense. Gordon owns a fashionable XK8 sports car, which he often drives around Napa Valley. The performance of the XK8 was excellent and competed with the best sports cars in the world (via Essentially Sports).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The XK8 was a diamond in the rough and was one of the last authentic Jaguar models. The beautiful styling and exhilarating performance are exactly what someone like Gordon looked for in a sports car.

Chevy Corvette C7 (Jeff Gordon)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The C7 Corvette was one of the most advanced additions to the historic Corvette lineage. Gordon spent his career driving Chevrolet race cars, so it’s no surprise that he owns a few unique Corvette models. The C7 Corvette was a performance powerhouse and Gordon’s example had some special features (via Car Buzz).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The special-edition paint job with racing stripes was only the first and most obvious thing. The performance of the Corvette was unmatched because of the new mid-engined design. Gordon auctioned off his C7 Corvette to benefit his charity.

Chevy Camaro ZL1 (Jeff Gordon)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

For most of his NASCAR career, Jeff Gordon drove Chevrolet vehicles. So it’s not a surprise that he owns quite a few Chevys. His most notable purchase was the ZL1 convertible, which he’s been seen driving time and time again. The ZL1 was a notable track option compared to the more mundane SS model (via Camaro For a Cure).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The fact that GM differentiated the Camaro lineup has created many more options for consumers. Gordon recently sold his Camaro ZL1 at a charity option and we’re sure the new owner loves everything about the car.

332 HP Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (Jeff Gordon)

Photo Credit: GM

Who says you can’t be eco-friendly and still have fun? The 332-horsepower Chevy Tahoe Hybrid Gordon built certainly puts a smile on any car fanatic’s face. The automotive press questioned the Tahoe Hybrid because it didn’t make sense. But when you add a serious amount of horsepower, the truck is not only powerful but also eco-friendly (via Jeff Gordon Chevy).

Photo Credit: GM

Gordon has been seen driving the Tahoe Hybrid with much enjoyment. In addition to a cold air intake, the truck also has a supercharger. It doesn’t take a lot to get more power out of these V8 engines and Gordon did a great job with his Tahoe.

2002 Burnt Orange Camaro SS (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

Dale Jr. started his NASCAR career driving for Dodge, but by the end, he was Chevy all the way. His collection of cars featured a few notable bowtie vehicles, including this sunburst orange Camaro SS. The fourth-generation Camaro was the last muscle car GM produced for almost a decade and is home to the legendary LS1 V8 engine (via Chevy Forum).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

But of course, Dale Jr. didn’t just stick to a stock Camaro, and there were many upgrades done to his. For starters, the SLP intake and supercharger gave the car a monstrous amount of horsepower, and to top things off, the custom body gave the car a unique look.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)

Photo Credit: Car Domain

Following in his dad’s footsteps, Dale Jr. also has many classic muscle cars. Most notable was his gray 1967 Camaro. Take a look at this Camaro from the outside and it’s pretty modest looking. The slick silver paint job doesn’t have any stripes or anything that screams extreme performance (via Car Buff Network).

Photo Credit: Dealer Accelerate

Down below, things aren’t stock either, as a nice pair of black aftermarket rims grace the car. The lowered suspension gave the car a much more aggressive look than the run-of-the-mill Camaro. But the car isn’t so far away from the original styling that it looked obscene.

1948 Chevrolet Pickup (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)

Photo Credit: Edmunds

Not every car that a celebrity owns must be decked with custom paint and accessories. Sometimes simpler is better. That’s the case with the 1948 Chevrolet Pickup truck that Dale Jr. owns. Even the paint was made to resemble something that might have been sitting in a field for decades (via Outsider).

Photo Credit: Auto Nation

But underneath the hood, this truck was all new with a completely rebuilt engine and transmission. On the inside of the interior, things are also slightly modernized for comfort with an HVAC system and a modern radio.

24 Hours Of Daytona Corvette (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

If there’s one thing about Dale Jr., he enjoys professional racing. It doesn’t matter what kind of racecar he is behind the wheel of. He just enjoys performing in front of a crowd and he participated in the 24 hours of the Daytona race with his father, the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr., in 2001 (via NBC Sports).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

After the race was done, the up-and-coming driver got the chance to keep the Corvette race car. This racecar was based on the C5 Corvette, with a few additions to make it more competitive on the track. The elongated body gave the car greater downforce and aerodynamics, and the engine was dramatically upgraded.

1965 Chevrolet Impala (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

There’s no way to go wrong with a Chevy Impala, especially not one from the ’60s. This is another car in Dale Jr.’s collection he kept fairly stock. The 1965 model bridged the gap between the outgoing generation and the muscle car era. Earnhardt kept most of the car stock, other than an induction hood and aftermarket wheels (via Outsider).

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

The original blue paint job gave the car an excellent look, with just the right amount of chrome to dress it up. The interesting thing about the Impala was that he kept the stock engine, albeit with new upgrades added.

1976 Chevrolet Laguna (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The Laguna was the unsung hero of the muscle car era, falling in between the powerful era and the new fuel-efficient cars. The Laguna was a lot smaller than the Chevelle, and it was slotted below the Monte Carlo. But Earnhardt Jr. always loved the Laguna because of his father’s love of the car (via Valvoline).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The Laguna was another car that Earnhardt Jr. kept mostly stock. The paint job was a factory Chevy color, and the car didn’t have aftermarket wheels either. Earnhardt Jr. has been spotted taking the old Laguna out for a spin a time or two.

1972 Chevy Camaro (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

Earnhardt Jr. has quite a few notable classic cars in his collection, but his 1972 Chevy Camaro stands out from the crowd. The orange paint job is the first thing you’ll notice about the car. But it’s what’s under the hood that takes things to the next level. The 1972 Camaro was a transition model for GM, as fuel regulations hampered what automakers did (via Car Buff Network).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The Camaro had extensive engine upgrades, as well as modifications to the suspension and the rest of the car. And who could ignore the unique suspension upgrades that separate the car from the rest of the pack?

Ferrari 599 (Felipe Massa)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

Ferrari was one of the most iconic automakers in the world and it still commands respect today. The vehicles Ferrari has designed and put into motion are some of the most fun to drive and rewarding rides ever built. Naturally, a famous racecar driver like Felipe Massa drives a car like the Ferrari 599 (via Tomini Classics).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The 599 was the pinnacle of what a great sports car should be. Cars like the 599 have made the sports car segment what it is today. The Ferrari brand is iconic in the sports car world and any real race car driver has owned one.

Lamborghini Murcielago (Tony Stewart)

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

Tony Stewart was one of the most popular NASCAR drivers of the 2000s, merging pop culture popularity with a winning record. He also has a net worth of $90 million, which means he can purchase any vehicle he wants. The Murcielago was a work of art in the automotive world (via Yahoo).

Photo Credit: Auto Journal

The popularity of NASCAR racing in the late 1990s and 2000s propelled Stewart to international stardom. The Murcielago was a popular car for celebrities to drive around during that period, so it’s no surprise he owns one.

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