Maybach Exelero Sells to Rapper Birdman for $8 Million
The one-off Maybach Exelero, originally built as a high-speed tyre test vehicle, has reportedly been purchased by rapper Birdman for $8 million.
The Maybach Exelero, a unique high-performance coupe created as a tyre testbed for Fulda, has reportedly changed hands for $8 million. The new owner is said to be Bryan Williams, better known as rapper Birdman, who is known for his collection of rare and high-value cars.
Maybach Exelero: The $8 Million Supercar
Origins: A Tyre Test Car Turned Supercar Icon
The Exelero was conceived in 2005 when tyre manufacturer Fulda, a subsidiary of Goodyear, commissioned Maybach to build a car capable of testing its new 315/25 ZR 23 tyres at speeds above 350 km/h. The result was a striking two-door coupe based on the Maybach 57 platform, but with a bespoke body and serious engineering upgrades. The Exelero represented a collaboration between cutting-edge automotive engineering and the specific demands of high-speed tyre testing, resulting in a vehicle that was both functional and extravagant.
Under the bonnet sits a 5.9-litre twin-turbocharged V12, tuned to produce 700 horsepower and 1,020 Nm of torque. The Exelero managed a verified top speed of 218 mph (351 km/h) at the Nardo test track in Italy, making it one of the fastest and most powerful luxury coupes ever built at the time. The car’s performance figures remain impressive even by today’s standards, especially given its considerable size and weight.
The Exelero was never intended for series production, making it a true one-off among modern supercars. Its singular status and the story behind its creation contribute significantly to its allure and value among collectors and enthusiasts.
Luxury Meets Performance
Inside, the Exelero combined luxury materials and limousine-level comfort with the layout of a grand tourer. The car’s imposing proportions and aggressive styling set it apart from anything else Maybach or its rivals produced. Its cabin featured high-quality leather, advanced technology for its time, and the kind of attention to detail expected from a brand associated with ultimate luxury.
The Exelero was widely seen as a demonstration of what the Maybach brand could have achieved if it had pursued more daring, performance-oriented models to compete with the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce. While Maybach’s regular models struggled to find buyers in the luxury market, the Exelero’s singular status and performance figures made it a collector’s target. Its sale for $8 million places it among the most expensive modern cars ever sold privately.
A Brief Moment Before Maybach’s End
The sale comes at a time when Maybach’s future was already in question. Daimler, Maybach’s parent company, confirmed plans to wind down the brand by 2013 due to slow sales of its production saloons. The Exelero stands as a rare example of what the marque could achieve when unrestrained by commercial realities. Its existence highlights both the ambition and the challenges faced by Maybach in the ultra-luxury segment.
For those interested in the fate of Maybach and other rare creations, the story of the Exelero’s sale highlights both the brand’s ambitions and its challenges in the ultra-luxury segment. The car’s journey from a tyre test platform to a collector’s showpiece is a reminder of the potential for innovation and spectacle in the world of high-end automobiles.
Maybach Exelero Specifications
| Year built | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.9-litre twin-turbocharged V12 |
| Power | 700 hp |
| Torque | 1,020 Nm |
| Top speed | 218 mph (351 km/h) |
| Tyres tested | Fulda 315/25 ZR 23 |
| Number produced | 1 (one-off) |
Context: Maybach’s Legacy and the Exelero’s Place in History
The Maybach Exelero remains a singular achievement in automotive history. Its blend of luxury, performance, and exclusivity has ensured its place as a collector’s item. The sale to Birdman for $8 million is a reflection of the car’s status and the continued fascination with unique, high-performance vehicles. As Maybach’s production era closed, the Exelero became a symbol of what might have been for the storied marque.
For more on Maybach’s later years, see Daimler’s announcement of the brand’s discontinuation in 2013.
