Deion Sanders shows off rare classic car collection from early NFL days

Originally posted on Colorado Buffaloes on SI
By Josh Tolle | Last updated Jan 2, 2024 4:16 PM ET

Deion Sanders has a taste for extravagant "toys" that started when he turned pro in the late 80s. The Hall-of-Famer recently showed off his rare collection of classic cars he has kept over the past four decades. The moment captured by Well Off Media flashed back to his past.

Sanders revealed his first car which was a black 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC. He explains paying $15,000 to have a convertible top when he got the car to ride around Atlanta. It is a very timeless piece for Prime's collection and one that is still cherished. "This is like the Maybach right now," Sanders explained. " A top of the line Mercedes at that time. In 88', this was the top of the line."

Coach Prime then talked about his early days with the Falcons and being one of the original ones who helped bring true character to the city. However, he admits it was probably a bit "extra" for the era.

"This is what I used to roll around Atlanta with. I was so ignorant and so showy back then. My first license plate said, "Millionaire at 21." That's when they used to have European plates. You remember them."

Sanders moved deeper into his garage with a few classics over a half-century old. A black 1967 Ford Thunderbird with a white top and suicide doors in pristine condition. The best touch on this beauty was the "gangster" whitewall tires, better known as JFK's. A throwback to the 1930s and on brand by paying homage to Henry Ford's ingenuity. It's a fifth-generation make and similar to one owned by Elvis Presley before his death in 1977.

One of the most popular in Prime's garage was two black 1964 Chevrolet Impala. The iconic muscle car turned convertible has all the original touches from the factory. It's a pop culture hit with ties to some of hip hop's biggest songs and artists. Yes, Prime had three-wheel motion with switches on them.

"I used to eat these alive when I was in Atlanta playing for the Braves," Sanders said. "I used to drive these on Sunday to the day games."

Prime's last, but certainly not least, was a 1965 Lincoln Continental convertible with suicide doors that he drove to Texas Stadium for Cowboys games. A presidential ride, of sorts, with an all-steel frame built to last in Detroit. Even Sanders noted about them not being made like they used to be.

A great start to the off-season for Coach Prime and the Buffs. They pulled down the No. 21 ranked combined class in 2024 and will likely add a few more players in the transfer portal. Sanders gets some much-deserved downtime at home in Texas before heading back to Boulder before spring practices.

This article first appeared on Colorado Buffaloes on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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