From humble beginnings as a Brooklyn mechanic to becoming a billionaire magnate in both the automotive and yachting industries, John Staluppi embodies the quintessential American dream. His story is one of relentless passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering dedication to turning dreams into reality. While he may have sold his famed “Cars of Dreams” collection, Staluppi is far from finished, continually chasing new horizons and setting new standards of excellence.
Image: John Staluppi, a self-made millionaire and car enthusiast, stands proudly in his Cars of Dreams museum, a testament to his lifelong passion for automobiles.
Born in 1947, John Staluppi’s journey began with grease under his fingernails and a Brooklyn accent as thick as his ambition. “We’re very selective on the cars here. I don’t like any pieces of s***,” Staluppi candidly admits, his words carrying the no-nonsense pragmatism of his Brooklyn roots. “I’m not that much about history and all that stuff. I’m more about I want the car to look nice, drive nice.” This straightforward philosophy, prioritizing quality and experience over mere prestige, has been a guiding principle throughout his remarkable career.
Staluppi’s “Cars of Dreams” wasn’t just a collection; it was an immersive experience, a 60,000-square-foot homage to Americana nestled within a seemingly ordinary strip mall in West Palm Beach, Florida. Unassuming from the outside, inside lay an enthusiast’s paradise, a meticulously crafted world that transported visitors back to Coney Island in its heyday. A boardwalk, carnival games, and even a functioning Nathan’s hot dog stand contributed to the whimsical atmosphere. Beyond the amusements, meticulously curated streets showcased automotive history, complete with a mock drive-in theater, a prison, a fire station with a vintage LaFrance fire truck, and a period-perfect Oldsmobile dealership stocked with classic models. The centerpiece was Dillinger’s, a 1950s-style diner named after his beloved late dog, opening its doors for select charity events each year. This wasn’t just a museum; it was John Staluppi’s personal wonderland, a tangible manifestation of his love for cars and nostalgic tribute to his Brooklyn upbringing.
Image: The interior of John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams museum, featuring a nostalgic Coney Island theme, complete with classic cars and vintage storefronts, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
The genesis of “Cars of Dreams” stemmed from a practical problem: an overflowing garage. “I had a 10-car garage, but I said, ‘This is not working,’ and built an 18-car garage for my house,” Staluppi recounts. “I kept packing cars in, and every time I wanted to go for a ride in a car, I’d have to move five cars just to get to it.” This outgrown garage sparked the idea for the museum, which eventually housed around 150 vehicles. However, in a move characteristic of Staluppi’s dynamic nature, he decided to sell nearly his entire collection – 145 cars – at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction. The auction was a resounding success, generating $13.96 million, a testament to the quality and desirability of Staluppi’s meticulously curated collection. This substantial sum represented a world away from the financial realities of his youth, a dream realized through decades of hard work and astute business acumen.
Image: John Staluppi overseeing the auction of his prized car collection at Barrett-Jackson, a significant event marking a new chapter in his collecting journey.
Staluppi’s automotive journey began in his teenage years, working as a mechanic at a Chevrolet dealership in Brooklyn. This hands-on experience ignited his passion for high-performance vehicles. “When I was at Chevrolet, I worked on all the high-performance cars,” he recalls. “The 327 had just come out, then in ’65 the 396 and the 454s came out. So I really got into the muscle cars—that was really my era.” He wasn’t just fixing cars; he was immersed in the burgeoning muscle car culture, even drag racing cars he built himself.
With the support of his parents, Staluppi transitioned from employee to entrepreneur, purchasing a small gas station. This initial venture paved the way for a pivotal move: acquiring a Honda motorcycle dealership. Recognizing the potential of the then-nascent Japanese brand, Staluppi expanded his Honda footprint, adding car dealerships just as Honda began introducing automobiles to the U.S. market. His timing was impeccable. The oil crisis of the 1970s dramatically increased gas prices, and Honda’s fuel-efficient cars and motorcycles became incredibly sought after. This surge in demand fueled Staluppi’s rapid expansion into Oldsmobile and Nissan dealerships, building an automotive empire that peaked at 40 franchises. While his empire has since streamlined, the Staluppi family business remains a powerhouse, ranking as the third-largest private dealership group in the United States, a testament to his enduring business prowess.
Image: A detailed display within John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams museum, showcasing a selection of meticulously restored classic American cars, reflecting his passion for automotive history.
Despite his success with contemporary car dealerships, Staluppi’s heart remains with classic automobiles. “Classic cars just have the look,” he explains. “You look at cars today, it’s hard to tell if it’s an Audi or a Mercedes other than having the big badges. There aren’t a lot of convertibles out there today; most cars are four doors. If you look at these old cars, with the big bumpers and the chrome, they still have that sentimental value.” This appreciation for the aesthetic and emotional connection to classic cars is what drove his collecting passion.
Even after selling his extensive collection of American convertibles from the 1940s to 1960s, Staluppi hinted at a swift return to collecting. This wouldn’t be his first major collection overhaul; it was the second time he had sold a large group of vehicles to pursue a new theme. While his focus would remain on American cars, his new collection would explore different facets. “This new collection is going to have hardtops and station wagons—I used to love the old Woodies,” he revealed. Furthermore, he expressed an interest in “restomods,” blending classic aesthetics with modern technology. “I like that they have fuel injection; carburetors are a pain in the ass,” he chuckled, highlighting the practicalities of modern engineering alongside vintage charm.
Image: John Staluppi at the Barrett-Jackson auction, engaging with attendees and showcasing his enthusiasm for classic cars and the collector community.
Selling his “Cars of Dreams” collection was a significant emotional event for Staluppi, despite his history of buying and selling. “I was really getting melancholy the other night,” he confessed. “Some people sell their cars because they need the money. I just wanted to have a change. But as I’m going through it, I’m thinking, ‘What am I doing?’” The sheer scale of his passion was evident in his next statement: “If the place was bigger, I’d just go out and buy another 150 cars and have 300 cars. But I don’t want to just have 300 cars in a warehouse. I want it to look nice.” For Staluppi, the presentation and experience are as crucial as the collection itself.
One car, however, remained untouchable: his first Corvette. “When I was still a mechanic at the Chevy dealer, they got this black ’62 Corvette in, and I was going crazy,” he reminisced. To acquire it, his father took out a second mortgage on their house. “It was $3,100, and the house was only worth $18,000.” He eventually sold it in the 60s but fate intervened decades later. His father, at 99 years old, discovered the original registration. “I tracked down the car in Michigan and bought it,” Staluppi recounts with a grin. This cherished Corvette is more than just a car; it’s a tangible link to his past and a symbol of his lifelong automotive passion.
Image: John Staluppi reunited with his cherished 1962 Chevrolet Corvette, a car he bought back after selling it decades prior, highlighting its sentimental value.
Beyond cars, John Staluppi has also carved a significant niche in the world of luxury yachts. His foray into yacht building began with a quest for speed, mirroring his drag racing days. His yachts, all bearing names inspired by James Bond films, are renowned for their exceptional performance and cutting-edge engineering. His most famous creation, “The World Is Not Enough,” a 140-foot marvel, can reach speeds of approximately 80 mph, making it one of the fastest luxury yachts ever built.
His passion for innovation extends to even modifying his classic cars. His latest project involves a 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible. “I decided I want to put four-wheel drive in the car and also a fuel-injection motor,” he explained. By placing the classic Cadillac body on a modern Escalade chassis, he’s creating a unique restomod, a blend of vintage style and contemporary performance. “I’ve got a home in the mountains, and I want a car that I can drive there with four-wheel drive. It’ll be the only ’58 Cadillac with four-wheel drive!” This project perfectly encapsulates Staluppi’s approach: respect for classic design combined with a desire for innovation and performance.
John Staluppi’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From a Brooklyn mechanic to a billionaire entrepreneur, his story is a true embodiment of the American Dream, fueled by an enduring love for cars and yachts and a relentless drive to achieve the extraordinary. And as history suggests, there will undoubtedly be more cars collected, more yachts built, and perhaps, another grand auction when John Staluppi decides it’s time for a change and a new dream to chase.
Best of Sale: John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams Auction Highlights
The Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2018 auction saw remarkable sales from John Staluppi’s collection. Here are some of the standout vehicles:
Image: A vibrant 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a highlight of John Staluppi’s collection, auctioned at Barrett-Jackson for $286,000, showcasing its pristine condition and original components.
1970 Plymouth Superbird – Sold for: $286,000: This meticulously preserved Superbird, boasting its original, numbers-matching 440-cubic-inch six-barrel engine and 727 Torqueflite transmission, stood out for its originality, including its factory nose cone, often replaced on other models.
Image: A fully restored 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV, part of John Staluppi’s collection, sold for $178,200, celebrated for its rarity and meticulous restoration.
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV – Sold for: $178,200: A frame-off restoration and powertrain rebuild elevated this Judge to concours condition. One of only 549 built with the coveted Ram Air IV engine and Muncie M21 four-speed manual gearbox, its factory-correct details and rarity justified its impressive sale price.
Image: A charming 1957 BMW Isetta 300, an unexpected gem in John Staluppi’s collection, auctioned for $57,200, highlighting the rising value of classic microcars.
1957 BMW Isetta 300 – Sold for: $57,200: An outlier in Staluppi’s American-centric collection, this Isetta 300 microcar demonstrated the growing appeal of classic microcars. This well-restored example fetched a fair market price, reflecting its increasing desirability among collectors.
Image: A stunning 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, a prized piece from John Staluppi’s collection, auctioned for $170,500, notable for its cosmetic restoration and 24-karat gold-plated emblems.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz – Sold for: $170,500: Staluppi himself found it hard to part with this Cadillac. Featuring its original 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine and a cosmetic restoration that included 24-karat gold-plated emblems, this Biarritz represented irreplaceable classic Americana.
Image: A unique 1915 Ford Model T Circus Wagon, a whimsical offering from John Staluppi’s collection, auctioned for $110,000, showcasing its Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus history.
1915 Ford Model T Circus Wagon – Sold for: $110,000: This unique piece of Americana, with a history connected to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, featured a “better-than-original” restoration, including gold-plated trim and Amish-made wooden wheels, offering a truly singular collector opportunity.
Image: John Staluppi’s personal 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, prominently displayed but not for sale at the auction, symbolizing his enduring connection to his first Corvette.
1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Not for sale): Staluppi’s first Corvette, a car he famously repurchased, was a poignant reminder of his enduring passion and was not offered for sale, highlighting its irreplaceable personal value.
Image: A sporty 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Indy Pace Car Convertible, part of John Staluppi’s collection, auctioned for $110,000, recognized as an investment-grade classic Camaro.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Indy Pace Car Convertible – Sold for: $110,000: This investment-grade Camaro Indy Pace Car, with its unique 1969 styling, RS package, and 396-cubic-inch V-8 engine, represented a highly desirable and valuable piece of muscle car history, sold at a fair price.
John Staluppi: Biography – From Cars to Superyachts
John Staluppi’s entrepreneurial journey extends beyond automobiles into the realm of superyachts, where he has made an equally significant impact.
Image: A portrait of John Staluppi, a successful entrepreneur and superyacht owner, reflecting his confident and visionary leadership in both automotive and marine industries.
“Just like the cars he adores and the boats he builds, John Staluppi is a walking, talking embodiment of the ‘American dream’.” Starting from a Brooklyn gas station, Staluppi constructed a billion-dollar car dealership empire before turning his vision to creating some of the most iconic superyachts ever launched.
His office, located within his “Cars of Dreams” museum, is a testament to his unique approach to business and passion. The museum, usually quiet and only opened for charity events, transforms into a vibrant space when Staluppi is present. Over burgers, fries, and shakes in the museum’s diner, Staluppi recounts his journey.
From gas station mechanic, Staluppi quickly became a station owner, a step made possible by a loan from his father. The transformative moment arrived when he partnered with Honda, becoming one of the first to recognize the brand’s potential in the US market. This venture propelled him to build a network of dealerships, eventually leading to the Atlantic Auto Group, a company generating billions in annual revenue and selling multiple car brands across New York.
Image: A scene inside John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams Museum, showcasing the vintage car collection within a meticulously designed Brooklyn-themed setting, before its sale.
His interest in boats emerged early in his automotive career. While working at a Chevrolet dealership, he was tasked with upgrading the engines of the owner’s mahogany Shepherd motorboat with Corvette engines. This experience sparked a fascination with boats, recognizing the parallels between cars and boats – “Boats and cars, the difference is one has propellers and the other one has wheels,” he quips.
His first boat was a 13m Ocean sport fishing boat, chosen not for fishing, but for speed. “I liked the speed of it,” he explains, recalling his drag racing days and his inherent need for velocity. This early foray into boating set the stage for his future in superyacht construction.
The Pursuit of Speed: From Octopussy to The World Is Not Enough
Image: An aerial view of the superyacht Octopussy at sea, highlighting its sleek design and powerful engines, built to achieve record-breaking speeds as part of a wager.
Staluppi’s superyacht journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of speed and innovation. His first yacht, “For Your Eyes Only,” was a 36m Denison, marking his entry into custom yacht building. He sought to build the first yacht over 100 feet to exceed 30 knots, a challenging goal at the time. The James Bond-inspired name reflected his desire for yachts that were as technologically advanced and thrilling as the gadgets in the films.
He was hands-on in the construction process, demonstrating meticulous attention to engineering details. Realizing the limitations of traditional engines, he pioneered the use of MTU engines and water-jet propulsion in yachts in the US, enhancing both speed and efficiency.
Not content with 30 knots, Staluppi aimed for 50 knots in a larger yacht. He partnered with designer Frank Mulder and shipbuilder Frans Heesen to create “Octopussy.” The agreement was audacious: the yacht had to exceed 50 knots, or Staluppi wouldn’t accept it. For every knot over 51, Staluppi would pay a $200,000 bonus. Heesen embraced the challenge.
“Octopussy” achieved 50.5 knots on its first run, much to Heesen’s relief. However, Staluppi, ever the innovator, suggested modifications to further enhance speed. He convinced a hesitant Heesen to cut back the chines, believing it would reduce drag. This bold move paid off; “Octopussy” reached 53 knots, earning Heesen a $400,000 bonus and Staluppi the title of owning the world’s fastest yacht. “There’s only one fastest yacht in the world. When we pulled in there (to ports) everybody said, ‘That’s Octopussy.’”
Image: An aerial side view of the superyacht Moonraker, showcasing its elegant lines and speed-focused design, continuing John Staluppi’s passion for fast and luxurious yachts.
Competition spurred further innovation. When news emerged of another yacht aiming for 65 knots, Staluppi commissioned “Moonraker.” Launched in 1992, “Moonraker” achieved 61 knots, reclaiming the record. “Moonraker” marked a transition for Staluppi from yacht building as a hobby to a more commercial venture. He founded Millennium Super Yachts in 1998, and by 2012, had built 18 yachts.
His ultimate speed statement was “The World Is Not Enough.” Collaborating again with Frank Mulder, and building at a shipyard he invested in under the Millennium Super Yachts label, this yacht was designed to break records. It was intended to reach 70 knots, but steering limitations capped the speed at 66 knots, even at less than full power. Despite not reaching its theoretical top speed, “The World Is Not Enough” remains an incredible feat of engineering and design, and Staluppi believes it is still pound for pound the fastest yacht.
Image: The superyacht The World Is Not Enough cruising at sea, representing John Staluppi’s ultimate achievement in speed and luxury yacht design, pushing the boundaries of marine engineering.
Since “The World Is Not Enough,” Millennium Super Yachts has shifted focus to luxury and charter yachts. “We decided to build yachts for luxury, and the new boats we’re building for charter more than for resale. I see a nice business in the charter market.” This new direction led to yachts like “Casino Royale,” “Quantum of Solace,” and “Diamonds Are Forever.”
Image: The superyacht Diamonds Are Forever docked, exemplifying John Staluppi’s shift towards luxury charter yachts, emphasizing opulence and comfort over extreme speed.
“Diamonds Are Forever,” a 61m Benetti, exemplifies this new focus, intended for luxury charter. Staluppi envisions a fleet of charter yachts, recognizing the business potential in the luxury charter market. He remains actively involved, dedicating 14-hour days to both Atlantic Auto Group and Millennium Super Yachts, believing his hands-on approach is crucial for success.
Staluppi sees opportunities for the marine industry to learn from the automotive retail sector, particularly in customer service and sales techniques. His yachts are distinguished not only by design but also by superior engineering and functionality. “What we bring to a shipyard, no other owner can bring,” he asserts, emphasizing the meticulous engineering and attention to detail in his yachts.
John Staluppi’s legacy is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, whether in automobiles or yachts. His journey from Brooklyn mechanic to industry titan is a remarkable American success story, driven by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to realizing his dreams.
