Powerball winners almost always buy new cars, but these are the most typical brands and models purchased.
When it comes to Powerball winners, there’s often one commonality in how those lucky individuals spend their fortunes. Some buy fancy homes, and others donate to charity. One Powerball winner even bought a private island. But many will usually resort to buying one or more brand new cars. People who find themselves with new-to-them wealth often head straight to the dealership to buy that shiny new sports car, six-figure SUV, or exotic luxury ride. Those who play Powerball will often dream about what stylish set of wheels they pick. Here are several of the more common vehicles new Powerball winners tend to buy.
Tesla Model S (or Model Anything)
One couple who won a $528.8 million jackpot bought a gold Tesla Model S to park in their driveway. Tesla, known for its electric vehicle and autonomous driving technology, is often a go-to brand for those who come into newfound wealth. It’s a car many wouldn’t necessarily buy unless they had the extra to spend. And when the Powerball numbers match up, it’s one of the first purchases winners make.
GMC Yukon Denali & Cadillac Escalade
Another popular Powerball Jackpot purchase is a supersized SUV with all the bells and whistles. The Cadillac Escalade is usually the first choice, but others like the GMC Yukon Denali or the old Hummer still make the first-buy list. When you have the extra to spend, the “go big or go home” mentality rings true when it comes to buying Powerball-winning rides. These behemoth SUVs already come equipped with premium leather, state-of-the-art technology, and expensive extras. But it’s not uncommon for those with extra money to spend to customize their new purchases with high-profile rims, unique paint jobs, or booming sound systems.
Chevrolet Corvette
Another Powerball-winning favorite to buy is the Chevy Corvette. William Shanteau used his $1.2 million Powerball jackpot to buy one himself. This car, in classic or modern form, is the pride and envy of many Americans. It has a long iconic history as a popular sport and performance machine. Buying a new one today will set you back at least $50,000 for a base model. Find a classic model with original parts, or browse the Corvettes at auction, and you can spend upwards of $500,000.
Chevy Camaro SS & Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
American muscle cars come in many model years, engine sizes, and badges. Two of the more popular cars include the Chevy Camaro and the Ford Mustang. Neither is necessarily too expensive for everyday budget-minded Americans to afford. But when you hit the Powerball jackpot, buying one or more of these for the vehicle collection is quite common. The older versions of either, with original parts or as custom rebuilds, can cost well into the six figures.
Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati
Exotic sports cars are often popular rides among wealthy celebrities in Hollywood. And for those who win giant Powerball jackpots, they’re quite attractive buys, as well. Just this September, an anonymous winner of the Powerball’s $10.5 million told a local news outlet he would first buy his dream car, the Lamborghini. Another winner from a few years ago is reported to have purchased a Ferrari 458, only to then earn 16 speeding tickets. There’s something magical, regardless of the Italian sports car you choose, about being able to drop $150,000 or more on a sleek and stylish ride you typically only see in Bond movies.
People buy all kinds of things when they have the means to do so. And over the years, it’s clear that Powerball winners seem to appreciate the sweetest rides. From Mercedes-Benz and BMW to McLaren and Ferrari, the high-priced cars are almost always attractive to newfound millionaires. The only question is, which new car would you buy with your Powerball Jackpot?