To most people, “Mr. Bean” is just a funny and wild set of films from a time long ago. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye, particularly when discussing the series’ protagonist: the actor Rowan Atkinson. On-screen, Atkinson plays a jarringly different person than who he actually is, as you’ll see. In reality, he’s not a kooky man, but a diehard car-lover!

Like many of the famous television/movie actors, Rowan Atkinson’s not low on funds. This helps him to experience the best of what the automotive industry has to offer; irregardless of price. As such, Mr. Bean has had some badass vehicles in his collection throughout the years.

A significant portion of car enthusiasts have some idea of Atkinson’s style, but few know the whole story. Thankfully, that’s what we’re here for. So, in pursuit of shining light on Mr. Bean’s ‘gear-head’ alter-ego, here is an inside look at Rowan Atkinson’s car collection…

He Totalled His McLaren F1…Twice

As we mentioned in the introduction, being an actor certainly has its rewards, especially in regards to income. Top-bill actors/actresses, such as Atkinson in his prime, are some of the highest paid individuals in the world. And, to nobody’s surprise, these people love to spend, including Mr. Bean.

Rowan prefers to spend money where it matters, though (at least to car guys): sports cars. His collection is filled to the brim with wonderful art-pieces, spanning across all price levels. For example: a Jaguar MK7, Lancia Thema 8.32 Series 1, 1939 BMW 328, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and more.

Of them all, though, the most notorious is his ’90s McLaren F1. Yet, regrettably for Atkinson, it was more infamous than famous after totaling it. Twice (more on that later). Adding to this ever-expanding registry of Mr. Bean’s cars are several Rolls Royce’s (Wraith, Phantom, Ghost), a Gen. 1 Honda NSX, Audi A1, and multiple ‘middle-class cars.’

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It’s What’s Inside That Matters

Of course, Rowan Atkinson has some extremely valuable pieces in his garage, but some aren’t as well known as others. You may think that somebody such as Mr. Bean would have a lot more modern cars, however, that doesn’t seem to be Atkinson’s prerogative. To him, it’s what’s inside that matters the most.

What we mean by that is, essentially, “quality over quantity” or “quality over aesthetic,” if you will. The idea being that the exterior doesn’t matter as much as the structural rigidity and build quality of the vehicle itself. What better embodiment of this than the rare Lancia Thema 8.32 Series 1 in Rowan’s garage.

The outside of the Thema 8.32 Series 1 may be unassuming and in-offensive overall, yet, its heart is completely different. The 8.32 is, strangely, more Ferrari than Lanica. Using the exterior from a Lancia, combined with a Ferrari 328’s engine, is the O.G. version of “sleeper” cars.

Trouble Along The Way

Having a one-of-a-kind garage with multi-million dollar supercars and hypercars is definitely a dream come true, however, there’s always potholes in an otherwise smooth path, so to speak. If anybody knows this, it’s Rowan Atkinson after having crashed a priceless (antique) supercar.

Before we continue, it must be mentioned that Rowan has a “daily” as well. No matter how rich you are, it’s still difficult to put thousands of kilometers on an expensive car without flinching. Atkinson’s track-record has, certainly, made the argument for getting a cheap, unassuming, normal car.

An expensive car comes with an even more expensive maintenance bill, not to mention the price of accidents. It’s a worthy risk to take, until you’re the one with a car in the ditch. Unfortunately for Rowan (and McLaren addicts alike), his McLaren F1 would find its way into a ditch. Not once, but twice.

A normal person would give up after the first time, but not Atkinson. Rather than take his insurance check and head home, Atkinson was head-strong in repairing the F1 each time; ensuring that he wouldn’t lose such an icon without a fight.

If nothing else, the Mr. Bean alter ego serves two purposes: to learn to never judge a book by its cover and never underestimate a car-lover who’s determined to succeed.

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