Usain Bolt’s Garage: From BMW M3 to Nissan GT-R
Usain Bolt, the Olympic sprinting legend, is known for his speed on the track and a collection of high-performance cars off it, including BMWs and a Nissan GT-R.
Usain Bolt’s name is synonymous with speed, but his taste for high-performance cars has also drawn attention. The Jamaican sprinter, who made history by defending his Olympic 100m and 200m titles in 2012, has owned and driven some of the world’s most desirable performance vehicles.
BMW M3: Bolt’s First High-Profile Car
Bolt’s association with the BMW M3 began before his Olympic dominance. In 2009, he was involved in a crash in Kingston, Jamaica, while driving a white E92 M3 Coupe. The car, a 309kW (420hp) example, was a sponsor’s gift. Bolt and his passengers escaped with minor injuries, but the incident made headlines. He was again reported to have a minor incident in a black BMW M3 in June 2012, though no serious injuries were reported in either case.
Ferrari Experiences: From Monaco to Maranello
Bolt’s encounters with Ferrari have been more about experience than ownership. In 2008, he drove a Ferrari 430 Spider on the Monaco F1 circuit. Later that year, he visited Maranello, where he tested both the 458 Italia and 599 GTB Fiorano on Ferrari’s own track. These opportunities came as part of his rising global profile after his Beijing Olympic victories.
- Ferrari 430 Spider (driven in Monaco)
- Ferrari 458 Italia (tested at Maranello)
- Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (tested at Maranello)
Nissan GT-R: The Fastest Man Meets Nissan’s Fastest
Bolt’s partnership with Nissan began in 2010, when he became a global ambassador for the brand. The relationship was a natural fit, with Nissan marketing the GT-R as the fastest production car in its range and Bolt as the world’s fastest man. He added a GT-R to his garage and featured in promotional campaigns for the model. Nissan later produced a one-off gold-painted GT-R, which was auctioned for charity, further cementing the association between Bolt and the GT-R. For more on Bolt’s GT-R, seeUsain Bolt Adds Nissan GT-R to His Garage.
A Collection Built on Performance
Bolt’s car choices reflect his public persona: fast, high-profile and performance-oriented. While his BMW M3s were daily drivers, his Ferrari experiences and Nissan GT-R partnership highlight his access to the world’s most desirable sports cars. The GT-R, in particular, became a centrepiece of his car collection and public image, linking his athletic speed to automotive performance.
