The legendary Metallica frontman James Hetfield has a passion for custom cars. Unlike many car collectors who usually buy cars when they like them, Hetfield takes a different approach. He envisions a classic car and then builds it from scratch, creating an entirely bespoke collection that’s as unique as his music.
Hetfield’s passion for cars runs deep, rooted in his love for hot rods and custom car culture, which he was exposed to growing up in America. He has a stunning collection of hand-built, custom cars that are as much works of art as they are feats of engineering.
Hetfield has donated his entire collection to the Petersen Automotive Museum, allowing fans to admire these masterpieces up close. The exhibit is aptly named “Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection,” and it showcases a variety of custom cars that span different themes, from Art Deco to film noir. The collection highlights Hetfield’s designs, brought to life by some of America’s top custom car builders, including Rick Dore Kustoms, Blue Collar Customs, and Marcel’s Custom Metal.
Highlights from Hetfield’s Collection
One of the crown jewels of Hetfield’s collection is the 1948 Jaguar Mark IV, known as the “Jaguar Black Pearl.” The car is a stunning blend of art-deco trim, European pontoon fenders, and more. It started as a rare left-hand drive model. However, it was completely transformed by Rick Dore Customs, with coachbuilding by Marcel and Luc De Ley of Marcel’s Custom Metal in California. The result is a car that’s both a tribute to classic design and a showcase of modern craftsmanship.
Another standout is the 1934 Packard, named “Aquarius.” This is also designed in the art-deco style and it has been hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world. Under the hood is a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, making it a powerhouse on the road.
One of Hetfield’s oldest and most cherished cars is the 1936 Ford Coupe known as “Iron Fist.” This car underwent a full transformation in 2006 and stands out with its bare metal under a clear coat. It’s a special car as Hetfield himself worked on the welds, making this car a true labor of love.
Other notable mentions in the collection include the 1932 Ford Roadster named “Blackjack,” the 1936 Auburn called “Slow Burn,” the 1937 Lincoln Zephyr known as “VooDoo Priest,” and the 1956 Ford F100 dubbed “Str8 Edge,” among many others. Each car in Hetfield’s collection tells a story, blending his love for music, design, and engineering into a cohesive whole.
James Hetfield Net Worth
Apart from being a car enthusiast, James Hetfield is also a music legend with a net worth that reflects his massive success. As the co-founder, rhythm guitarist, lead vocalist, and songwriter for Metallica, Hetfield has played a significant role in the band’s global success.
Metallica has sold over 66 million records in the U.S. alone, and 150 million worldwide, making them the most successful heavy metal band in history. Forbes listed Metallica among the top 10 highest-earning artists as recently as 2019, with a net worth exceeding $1 billion.
As for Hetfield, his net worth is estimated to be between $300-350 million as of 2022, thanks to his royalties and continued success with Metallica. It’s no surprise that he can indulge in his passion for custom cars, turning his visions into reality.
