If you love cars and you live in Las Vegas, then there’s a good chance you have heard of Ryan Hamilton and his team at Celebrity Cars.
“We have been part of this community for more than 20 years. We love what we do because it’s fun. We connect people with things they love.”
Hamilton is the general manager of this 20 thousand square foot dealership, located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. The showroom is filled with millions of dollars worth of exotic and classic vehicles from around the world. When he initially opened Celebrity Cars in 2000, Hamilton said it was a much smaller operation, but like this city, the business has grown right along with it.
“Most dealerships concentrate on a particular type of exotic or luxury car, but we do everything,” said Hamilton. "Our vehicles span about a century, from the early 1900s to newer exotic and luxury cars.”
Over the years, Celebrity Cars have gained quite a “celebrity” status after acquiring a number of vehicles that have gotten the attention of a lot of people. Currently on display is the actual BMW that Tupac Shakur was shot in while riding in it after a fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This is the first time this car has ever been up for sale or display since his death in 1996. The vehicle, which has been completely restored and is in excellent condition, is currently listed for sale at 1.75 million dollars.
“It’s a piece of history, and we get people who come in here just to check it out. We have received a lot of media exposure while having it up for sale.”
Another high-profile vintage vehicle at Celebrity Cars is Al Capone’s Bulletproof 1928 Cadillac V8. With a price tag of 1 million dollars, this car was modified to be armored bulletproof at the direction of the late gangster himself, making it the first of its kind in the world.
“We have gotten some offers in for these cars,” said Hamilton. “But so far, none of the offers have come close to what we are looking for.”
When it comes to vehicles that are gaining the most traction among current collectors, those popular back in the 80s and 90s are at the top of the list. According to Hamilton, these cars have gained a cult following, with people who grew up during that time now seeking a piece of sentimental value.
“These are the cars that a lot of 40- and 50-year-olds of today used to have posted on their walls," said Hamilton. "Also, cars with manual transmissions are also seeing their values go up because they are getting phased out."
Hamilton and his team are also building a strong community of old and new car lovers with their "Celebrity Cars & Coffee" events. Every Saturday morning, hundreds of exotic and classic vehicles line the parking lot south of the I-215 and Eastern. Hamilton said when car lovers bring their vehicles in as part of this event, it creates an experience that can't be replicated in any showroom.
"It's a chance for us to go out there and meet people in this community," said Hamilton. "It's brand recognition and a way for people to connect with others who love cars just as much as us.”
Hamilton, a married father of a toddler, said his love for cars started when he was young and was passed on by his own dad, a local optometrist.
"Yeah, his work has nothing to do with this business, but he was the one who got me into cars. This is a business like any other line of work, but it's not typical or boring. We do have a lot of fun.”
We asked if Hamilton is ready to pass on his passion for cars down to his 3-year-old son. He answered with a smile.
"He already loves cars for sure, but I guess we will see what will happen. My dad let me choose my own path and supported me in my career, so I plan to do the same with my son.”
Hamilton and his team are also building a strong community of old and new car lovers with their "Celebrity Cars & Coffee" events. Every Saturday morning, hundreds of exotic and classic vehicles line the parking lot south of the I-215 and Eastern. Hamilton said when car lovers bring their vehicles in as part of this event, it creates an experience that can't be replicated in any showroom.
“Most dealerships concentrate on a particular type of exotic or luxury car, but we do everything,” said Hamilton. "Our vehicles span about a century, from the early 1900s to newer exotic and luxury cars.”