Ellen DeGeneres’ Iconic Porsche 911 Targa: A Fusion of Vintage Style, Luxury, and Celebrity Design Passion

In the bustling world of Hollywood, where stars often make headlines for their latest projects, relationships, or philanthropic endeavors, sometimes it’s their personal choices, especially in luxury possessions, that truly capture public attention. Such was the case recently when beloved talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, 63, was spotted indulging in a routine coffee run, but not in just any vehicle. She turned heads while driving her breathtaking Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, a vehicle that exudes timeless elegance and a nod to classic automotive eras. This particular model, estimated to cost a hefty $180,000, isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a statement piece, perfectly aligning with Ellen’s well-known appreciation for sophisticated aesthetics and design.

The May 3rd sighting saw Ellen effortlessly getting in and out of the maroon-colored beauty, dressed in a casual yet chic ensemble of a gray top, dark gray pants, and tan and orange Nike sneakers, complemented by a blue face mask. Her choice of attire mirrored the car’s understated luxury, proving that true style doesn’t always need flamboyant displays. The Porsche itself, however, speaks volumes. This isn’t just a modern sports car; it’s a meticulously crafted homage to the iconic Porsche designs of the 1950s and 1960s, a period celebrated for its automotive innovation and distinct styling. The Heritage Design Edition captures the essence of these golden eras, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary performance and luxury. It pays tribute to Porsche’s rich motorsport history, combining authentic historical design features with state-of-the-art technology.

What makes the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition so special and a covetable item for connoisseurs like Ellen? Beyond its stunning exterior, which features a distinctive Targa bar, classic Fuchs-style wheels, and carefully selected exterior colors like the striking Cherry Metallic or the more subdued Black and GT Silver, the interior is a masterclass in bespoke luxury. It boasts opulent two-tone leather interiors, often featuring heritage-inspired fabrics like corduroy or houndstooth, reminiscent of vintage sports car seating from classic 356 and early 911 models. Gold logos subtly adorn various elements, adding a touch of exclusive sophistication and a nod to original Porsche badging. Perhaps most notably, each of these limited-edition vehicles comes with an exclusive heritage design plaque, proudly referencing its place within a remarkably small production run of only 992 units worldwide. This extreme exclusivity makes the car not just a possession, but a highly sought-after collector’s item, an investment, and a testament to truly discerning taste in automotive art. The “4S” designation further elevates its appeal, indicating an all-wheel-drive system for superior handling and stability, especially in varying conditions, coupled with a more powerful engine that delivers exhilarating performance. This ensures that its classic looks are matched by thrilling modern driving dynamics, offering the best of both worlds. For someone with Ellen’s keen eye for detail and profound appreciation for unique artistry and historical significance, it’s abundantly clear why this particular Porsche would be her vehicle of choice.

Ellen’s penchant for design isn’t limited to her garage; it’s a pervasive theme throughout her career and personal interests. Beyond choosing incredible designer cars, she actively champions and promotes designer furniture and interior aesthetics, showcasing her deep-seated passion for visual harmony and creative expression across various domains. Her commitment to fostering design talent and celebrating innovative craftsmanship is particularly evident in her role as host of the new furniture design competition show, Ellen’s Home Design Challenge, airing on HBO Max. In this exciting series, she teams up with acclaimed actor Scott Foley, where contestants battle it out to create innovative and stunning furniture pieces, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary showcases of design and functionality. The show serves as a vibrant platform for emerging designers to display their skills, creativity, and unique vision, all under the discerning eye of Ellen herself, who is known for her impeccable taste and a keen sense of style. This latest venture brilliantly builds upon the success of her previous foray into the design competition genre, Ellen’s Design Challenge, which aired for two popular seasons on HGTV starting in 2015. That earlier iteration similarly focused on various design disciplines, from furniture to textiles, solidifying Ellen’s reputation not just as an entertainer, but as a significant influencer and tastemaker in the world of interior and product design. Reflecting on her expansion into streaming content, Ellen famously quipped back in 2019 with her characteristic humor, “I’m very excited to bring my new shows to HBO Max. I don’t know who Max is, but I can’t wait to work with him.” This lighthearted remark underlines her witty persona while highlighting her genuine enthusiasm for expanding her creative footprint and supporting the design community.

Her choice of a classic yet modern Porsche and her dedication to design television speak volumes about Ellen’s personal brand and her profound appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and heritage. It’s a testament to how personal style extends far beyond clothing into every intricate aspect of one’s life, including the very vehicles we choose to drive. This shared enthusiasm for high-end automotive luxury is, in fact, a common thread among many high-profile celebrities. While Ellen’s Targa stands out for its vintage-inspired elegance and exclusivity, other A-listers often lean towards hyper-performance supercars or ultra-luxurious bespoke sedans, each choice reflecting a unique facet of their personality, public image, and success. These vehicles aren’t merely status symbols; for many, they are extensions of their identity, cherished investments, or simply a reflection of a deep-seated passion for automotive engineering, speed, and artistry.

Indeed, Ellen is in good company when it comes to owning impressive and expensive cars that turn heads. The world of celebrity car collections is vast and awe-inspiring, filled with bespoke creations and rare, high-performance models that often cost more than a house. Take, for instance, reality television mogul and beauty entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, whose garage rivals many luxury dealerships. Back in 2016, she famously stunned fans when she was photographed with her exquisite Ferrari 458 Italia Spider. This iconic Italian convertible, with an estimated price tag upward of $270,000, is renowned for its blistering performance, timeless styling, and the unmistakable, symphonic roar of its naturally aspirated V8 engine. Ferraris symbolize speed, passion, and unparalleled automotive heritage, making them a perennial favorite among the rich and famous who appreciate both legacy and exhilaration. Kylie’s extensive collection, which has grown significantly over the years to include multiple Rolls-Royces, various Lamborghinis, and other high-end models, underscores the trend of young celebrities showcasing their immense wealth and personal style through elaborate and meticulously curated car portfolios.

Another prominent example of automotive extravagance is Grammy-winning artist Chris Brown, known for his eclectic taste and a garage brimming with powerful and often customized vehicles. His Lamborghini Aventador, a supercar that can fetch upward of $750,000, is a prime example of extreme automotive engineering. The Aventador is a beast, characterized by its sharp, aggressive, stealth-fighter-like lines, dramatic scissor doors, and a formidable naturally aspirated V12 engine that delivers breathtaking acceleration and a top speed well over 200 mph. Owning an Aventador is a bold statement of power, luxury, and an appreciation for cutting-edge design, something Chris Brown has frequently demonstrated with his frequently customized fleet. These aren’t just cars for him; they are extensions of a high-octane lifestyle, often personalized with unique paint jobs, intricate interior modifications, and performance enhancements to stand out even further in an already exclusive crowd.

Pop superstar Justin Bieber also boasts an enviable collection, showcasing his preference for both raw power and futuristic aesthetics. He has been seen with a Lamborghini Aventador S, a more refined and powerful iteration of the standard Aventador, valued at approximately $400,000, which offers enhanced aerodynamics and a more potent V12. But perhaps his most talked-about ride is his bespoke, futuristic custom Rolls-Royce Wraith, which was dramatically transformed by the renowned West Coast Customs. This one-of-a-kind vehicle appears to float effortlessly on the road, with its wheels completely concealed behind aerodynamic, floating bodywork, giving it an otherworldly, almost sci-fi appearance. The extensive customization alone reportedly cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, elevating the already luxurious Rolls-Royce into a truly unique, mobile art piece. This level of extreme personalization highlights how celebrities often go beyond standard luxury, seeking to commission and create truly unique vehicles that not only reflect their individual brand and vision but also push the boundaries of automotive design and artistry, further blurring the lines between functional transportation and high art.

The allure of luxury vehicles for celebrities goes far beyond mere transportation; it’s a multifaceted phenomenon encompassing status, personal expression, and often, a passionate hobby or investment. For some, like Ellen DeGeneres, it’s about appreciating design heritage, exclusivity, and a refined sense of style. For others, it’s about raw power, blistering speed, or the ability to command attention and make a grand statement. Regardless of the underlying motivation, these impressive machines offer a fascinating glimpse into the lavish lifestyles and discerning tastes of the world’s most famous personalities. Their choices not only inspire automotive enthusiasts globally but also often set trends in the high-end luxury market, making almost every public appearance or even a simple coffee run an unexpected car show. From Ellen’s tastefully vintage Porsche 911 Targa to Justin Bieber’s custom futuristic Rolls-Royce, these celebrity garages are a vibrant testament to the enduring appeal of the automobile as both a functional object and a profound symbol of success, individuality, and unparalleled luxury in the modern age.

Check out the gallery above to see more famous faces and their incredible luxury rides, each vehicle telling its own captivating story of style, power, and prestige in the glamorous, high-octane world of celebrity automotive passion.