Dennis Collins is a prominent figure in the car industry, celebrated for his passion for collecting and restoring vehicles. He gained fame as a cast member of the popular reality TV series “Fast N’ Loud,” which showcases the adventures of the Gas Monkey Garage team. Beyond his TV persona, Collins is a successful entrepreneur and investor, sparking interest in his net worth. This article delves into Dennis Collins’s rare and exclusive car collection.
Who is Dennis Collins?
Dennis Collins, known from “Fast N’ Loud” on the Discovery Channel alongside his longtime friend Richard Rawlings, is a lifelong entrepreneur from Texas. His expertise in vintage cars and Jeeps is unparalleled. While he may not rival Bill Gates in wealth, his journey to becoming a respected figure in the car world is quintessentially American.
For over 33 years, Dennis has owned the Collins Brothers Jeep in Wylie, Texas. This dealership is far from ordinary. Located just 30 minutes north of Dallas, it’s recognized as one of the most active and esteemed restoration shops nationally and perhaps globally. Annually, they complete over 70 full restorations of various Jeep models and 200 custom JK builds. In 2000, Dennis expanded his business with Black Mountain Jeep Parts and Accessories, now a globally renowned brand with facilities across the U.S. and distributors in Europe and the Middle East. Dennis often says, “People always ask me what I do every day – step into my Jeep World, and I’ll show you.” However, his true passion lies in classic cars.
Dennis Collins Cars Collection
Collins boasts an extraordinary collection of rare and iconic cars, and in this article, we take a quick look at his giant collection.
| Dennis Collins cars | Price |
|---|---|
| Collins ACR Collection | – |
| Entire Jeep CJ Collection | $1 million |
| Ford Mustang ‘The Super Boss’ | $116,000 |
| Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo | – |
| 1990 7-UP Special Edition Ford Mustang | $82,500 |
| 1972 Dodge Charger Rally Edition | $19,800 |
| Ferrari F40 | – |
| 1950 Nash-Healey | $500,000 |
| 2014 COPO Camaro | $93,500 |
| 2007 Ferrari 550 Maranello | – |
Please note that some prices are marked with “-” indicating that the price information is not
Dennis Collins Jeep Collection
Collins has an impressive collection of 28 classic Jeep CJs, featuring models like the CJ5, CJ7, and CJ8, all in excellent shape. In a YouTube video, he revealed his intention to sell this collection for $1 million.
1950 Jeep CJ-5
The CJ series represents the last Jeep model directly linked to the legendary World War II vehicle, initially developed by American Bantam in 1940. In anticipation of wartime demands, the production of the General Purpose scout car — later abbreviated to GP or “Jeep” — was undertaken jointly by Ford and Willys-Overland.
The concept of a “civilian Jeep,” which would eventually be known as the “CJ,” began in 1942. This was when the U.S. Department of Agriculture began testing the vehicle for agriculture. Post-war, Willys continued manufacturing Jeeps, gradually introducing them to the consumer market, mainly for farming and off-road activities.
Dennis owns several CJ-5 Jeeps, with a fully restored model valued up to $50,000. These Jeeps offer various engine options, including a V8 for added power. One notable piece in his collection is a 1981 CJ-5 Laredo with just 49,000 miles, featuring a custom V8 engine installed by Dennis Collins.
Ford Mustang ‘The Super Boss’
image source: dennis collinsPart of Collins’ collection is the extremely rare Ford Mustang, ‘The Super Boss,’ one of the most expensive Mustangs ever. This supercharged powerhouse, boasting over 1000 horsepower, was sold at the Barrett Jackson Auction for $116,000.
Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo
In 2009, the thrilling partnership between the legendary sports car manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini and the renowned Swiss watchmaker Blancpain gave rise to the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo. This collaboration echoed the spirit of the famous Ferrari Challenge racing series but took it a step further, earning the title of the “world’s fastest one-make racing series.” The series featured eighteen exciting rounds at various famous European race tracks, often coinciding with major events like the German DTM, FIA GT, and FIA WTCC.
This extremely rare 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo, complete with its Certificate of Origin from Automobili Lamborghini, is a standout auction item, possibly the only one of its kind. The car has a powerful 5.2L V-10 engine with direct fuel injection, capable of an impressive 620 horsepower. This immense power is controlled by a six-speed E-Gear sequential paddle-shift transmission, feeding into the car’s permanent all-wheel-drive system.
1990 7-UP Special Edition Ford Mustang
image source: dennis collins Initially, Ford had planned a minimal production of only 30 7-Up Fox-body Mustangs, intended as prizes for a 1990 NCAA basketball finals giveaway. However, when the giveaway was canceled, Ford produced 5,000 vehicles to mark the Mustang’s 25th anniversary.
These exclusive 7-Up LX convertible Mustangs featured the Fox-body era’s robust 5.0L V8 engine, capable of delivering an impressive 255 horsepower. Each car was adorned in a vivid Deep Emerald Green clearcoat metallic paint, with a white leather interior and a matching white convertible roof.
With only 16 miles clocked on the odo, the Special Edition car was perhaps one of the most pristine examples worldwide, which he later sold at an auction for $82,500.
1972 Dodge Charger Rally Edition
image source: dennis collins facebookDennis Collins not only sells refurbished cars, but on occasion, he offers a rare car that needs attention but has features that make it a good buy.
An example is this 1972 Dodge Charger Rally Edition. Collins claims that this car may be one of only 160 factory-equipped with the following set of options. The car includes the top-of-the-line engine, 440 Magnum, with a 4-barrel carburetor and a net rating of 280 bhp.
It is painted Hemi orange with door indents indicating the Rally edition and includes L37 concealed headlights, an N96 fresh air hood (only 160 cars were made with the N96), factory hood pins, Rally dash, and bucket seats (no bench seat). The car comes with the original radio, power steering, and power brakes. Although the car needed the transmission rebuilt, Collins offered this Charger for $19,800.
Ferrari F40
image source: dennis collinsThe originally red Ferrari, belonging to a Houston business person, was left in the care of a mechanic while its owner traveled to Europe. Unfortunately, the mechanic damaged the car by crashing it into an iron fence. Despite the extensive damage to the frame and the vehicle appearing irreparable, Gas Monkey Garage accepted the formidable task of restoring it. This remarkable restoration process was showcased in an episode of “Fast N’ Loud.”
The rejuvenated supercar emerged with enhancements surpassing its original specifications. Upgrades included:
- Rebuilt turbochargers.
- An aluminum flywheel.
- A Tubi exhaust system.
- Custom-made Penske Racing adjustable shocks.
- A Kevlar clutch pack.
- H.R.E. three-piece alloy wheels.
- An increase in power output to 550 horsepower.
Black Mountain Jeep
When you buy a Jeep from Chrysler prepared for off-road adventures, featuring components like hoods, wheels, lift kits, winches, bumper, and brush guards, along with specialized gauge clusters and dashes, these are all products from Black Mountain.
The inception of Black Mountain’s Jeep parts venture was led by Dennis Collins, who, from 1984 to 2007, provided services to a myriad of CJs, YJs, and T.J.s. Currently, Black Mountain predominantly caters to the J.K. market (initiated in 2007), offering Jeeps equipped with the Black Mountain edition directly from the dealership and manufacturing a range of off-road-oriented parts and accessories at reasonable prices.
In its quest to innovate and expand, Black Mountain is constantly designing and launching new items, including Bumpers, Winches, L.E.D. Lighting and Fuel Covers, among others, while actively exploring fresh product concepts in the field.
1950 Nash-Healey (Purpose Built American sports car)
image credit: hemmings. ComDennis has bought and sold over 200 various Healey items, yet one particular Nash Healey stood out. The 1950 Nash-Healey, the first purpose-built American sports car in Dennis Collins’ collection, was exceptional. Following an extensive and intricate restoration, Dennis sold this Nash Healey, with the chassis number N2001, at the May Worldwide auction. As the sixth owner of this vehicle, Dennis Collins parted with the car for $500,00
2014 COPO Camaro
image source:barrett-jackson. Com In 2016, Dennis Collins auctioned off an extraordinary 2014 COPO Camaro at a sale in Scottsdale, Arizona. This car is recognized as one of the most iconic muscle cars ever. Among the 69 COPO Camaros manufactured that year, just 18 were part of the exclusive body-in-black program, with Serial #002 standing out due to its rarity.
This particular model was a turnkey-completed car, equipped with a plethora of unique features such as a 454 LSX engine, Turbo 400 transmission, Holley/COPO injection system, COPO hood, power steering, air conditioning, line lock, operational lights, wheelie bars, mirrors, power windows, and D.O.T. approved tires. It was also NHRA Certified with an 8.50 estimated E.T.A., though it was expected to clock in the low 10s. Remarkably, this vehicle was snagged for $93,500 at a no-reserve auction.
2007 Cannonball Run Ferrari 550 Maranello
In 2007, Dennis Collins and Richard Rawlings, the proprietor of Gas Monkey Garage and host of Discovery Channel’s Fast N’ Loud, shattered the longstanding 1979 Cannonball Run record. They clocked in at 31 hours and 59 minutes, maintaining an average speed of 87.6 mph. Not only were they best friends, but the duo also boasted back-to-back victories in both the Gumball Rally and the Bullrun Rally.
Their vehicle was a 1999 Nero Daytona Ferrari 550 Maranello, a robust front-engine V12, 2-seater grand tourer. Ferrari produced this model from 1996 to 2001. It has a 5.5-liter engine, delivering 486 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. Of torque. While the standard model features a 30.0-gallon fuel tank, Collins went a step further by modifying the fuel cells. This strategic change significantly reduced the need for frequent refueling stops.
