Monaco princely car collection-The royal ride

Welcome to Monaco princely car collection, a world of luxury, history, and automotive passion – the world of the Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco. This extraordinary assembly isn’t just a jumble of vintage vehicles; it’s a living testament to a unique vision, passionate dedication, and a family legacy stretching back through decades. Located in the heart of glamorous Monaco, this collection brings together around 100 masterpieces of automotive engineering, from prestigious European and American marques to unexpected gems that tell their own captivating stories.

The birth of a unique vision

The idea for creating this impressive museum was born in the mind of Prince Rainier III. In the late 1950s, Prince Rainier began collecting cars, driven by an exceptional love for automobiles. What set him apart from other passionate collectors was his broad perspective. Unlike many who focused on specific brands, time periods, or vehicle types, Prince Rainier knew no bounds. Monaco princely car collection encompasses an incredible diversity, from Allied military vehicles from World War II, which bear witness to turbulent times, to cars many would consider “unserious” for a serious collection. It is precisely this eclecticism that gives the entire collection its special charm and depth.

Over 30 years, Prince Rainier III managed to amass an impressive retro collection that simply takes your breath away. Among the numerous models on display are true gems, such as a remarkably preserved NSU Sport Prinz Coupe from 1968 and the iconic Volkswagen Beetle from 1976, a nod to the golden age of motoring. There’s also the charming “Fića,” a Fiat 500 from 1971 with Abarth equipment, a symbol of Italian ingenuity, and the elegant Porsche 928 S Coupe from 1982.

Historic jewels and rare exhibits

The oldest exhibit in the collection is a fascinating De Dion Bouton from 1903, a vehicle that takes us back to the very beginnings of the automotive era. Connoisseurs of automotive history will particularly appreciate the early models from automotive giants like Lincoln, Citroën, Peugeot, and Packard, which testify to the birth of the global automotive industry. But the collection isn’t limited to just passenger cars. It also includes vintage military vehicles that played important roles in history, and the princely family’s wheeled carriages, a reminder of Monaco’s noble past. A particularly sentimental value is held by the London taxi driven by the legendary Princess Grace, adding a personal touch to the collection.

Over time, Prince Rainier III’s passionate collection grew so large that there simply wasn’t enough space for all these precious cars in the palace garage. Recognizing the importance of his collection and his desire to share it with the public, the Prince opened his doors to visitors in 1993. Since then, this exhibition has provided a unique opportunity to see dozens of luxurious cars that belonged to the Prince, along with exciting rally cars and Formula 1 racers that have made history on legendary tracks.

The legacy continues

After his father’s passing, Prince Albert II, himself a great admirer of Lexus models, decided to continue the family tradition of collecting. Although 38 models from the collection were offered at auction, which partially refreshed the collection, the essence remained the same – preserving and exhibiting automotive jewels for future generations.

Today, the Monaco princely car collection is housed right next to the Aquatic Sports Stadium, in an impressive 3500 m² exhibition space. This venue, unique in the world, is home to about a hundred different cars, from timeless old-timers to modern racing cars seen at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally and the prestigious Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix races. Each car in this collection is not just a vehicle, but a piece of history, a testament to the engineering ingenuity and passion that shaped the automotive industry.

A visit to the Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco offers an unforgettable experience, a journey through time, and a chance to see up close some of the most beautiful and important cars ever produced.