Joey Buttafuco Car Collector: Examining His Vintage Automobile Passion in 2025
Joey Buttafuoco’s name might ring a bell for all the wrong reasons, but beyond his notorious past as an auto body shop owner with legal troubles, he’s developed a surprisingly substantial car collection.
While many know him from the scandalous headlines of the early 1990s, fewer people are familiar with his automotive pursuits that began during his time working in collision repair.
What makes Buttafuoco’s collection noteworthy isn’t just the vehicles themselves, but how they represent his journey from notorious figure to car enthusiast. His collection reportedly began taking shape after his auto repair businesses, including the California collision shop, gave him inside access to rare and damaged vehicles that could be restored.
Despite his checkered past, Buttafuoco’s collection has grown to include several restored Chevelles, early Camaros, and at least two rare Mopar vehicles that have appeared at regional car shows over the past decade.
Transition into Car Collecting
Contents
Joey Buttafuoco’s passion for automobiles developed over time, transforming from casual interest to serious hobby as his personal notoriety grew in the early 1990s.
Early Interests in Vehicles
Buttafuoco’s automotive fascination began long before his name became a tabloid staple. Growing up on Long Island, he developed an appreciation for American muscle cars—the raw power and aggressive styling of Detroit’s finest speaking to his personality.
His first purchase was a modest Camaro, which he modified extensively. This wasn’t just transportation; it was a statement piece that reflected his bold character.
“Cars were always my escape,” Buttafuoco reportedly told friends. The mechanical aspects fascinated him almost as much as the attention his vehicles attracted.
By the early 1990s, before his legal troubles, he had already acquired three different Camaros and was eyeing more exotic options for his growing collection.
Shell reinish
Behind the Big Wheel stories
Joey B has been a car guy his whole life as was his father before him. When Joey was a little kid he helped his father Caspar at Freeport Stadium in Freeport NY.
The track was known as a Bullring (a short track with a lot of fan action on any Saturday night). His father was “the Chief Steward” which meant he ran the place.
The local speed shop near his house was Baldwin Motion Performance on Sunrise Highway.
It was here that he increased his knowledge to make his cars go very fast. He always had a great desire to own a very special car that ran at Freeport but also all the Bullrings in the Northeast.
The 15X is a 1936 4-door sedan modified and a big block 400 hp motor.
They ran it as a Super Modified class car. He got the car from the original owner Bill Spade, brought it to California, and made it street-legal. He loves to show it off at many car shows in SoCal.
There is so much more, but my friends that is another story for another time.
Expanding the Collection
As Buttafuoco’s media profile rose—albeit for controversial reasons—his automotive appetite grew proportionally. His collection expanded to include European exotics alongside American muscle.
The centerpiece became a striking 1997 Lamborghini Diablo, a vehicle that perfectly matched his flashy public persona. The car’s specifications were impressive:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.7L V12 |
| Horsepower | 485 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 202 mph |
Buttafuoco didn’t just buy cars; he immersed himself in car culture. He networked with dealers, mechanics, and other collectors, building connections that helped him source rare models and parts.
Publicizing the Hobby
Buttafuoco understood the publicity value of his automobiles. His vehicles became extensions of his public image, often featuring prominently in media appearances and paparazzi photos.
In one notable instance, he arrived at an event for a hit-and-run photo op, pulling up in a limousine, posing briefly for photographers, then immediately departing—using the vehicle as both transportation and publicity tool.
Unlike many collectors who maintain privacy around their collections, Buttafuoco embraced the attention. He frequently discussed his cars in interviews, positioning himself as an authority on American muscle and Italian exotics.
His vehicles appeared in several television segments, further cementing his identity as a serious car enthusiast rather than just a tabloid figure with expensive toys.
Highlighted Vehicles in Buttafuoco’s Collection
Joey Buttafuoco, the auto body shop owner who gained notoriety in the 1990s, has cultivated an impressive automotive collection that spans several decades and styles, reflecting both his professional expertise and personal tastes.
Classic Models and Restoration
Buttafuoco’s passion for restoration shines through in his classic car selections. His 1967 Shelby GT500 stands as the crown jewel, meticulously restored to factory specifications with its original 428 cubic inch V8 engine producing 355 horsepower.
The collection includes a pristine 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible in Matador Red with period-correct white wall tires and chrome detailing that reportedly took over 2,000 hours to restore.
A pair of muscle-era Mopars rounds out the classics: a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda and a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, both featuring Hemi engines and representing the pinnacle of American performance from that era.
His restoration philosophy emphasizes originality over modification, with most vehicles maintaining factory specifications and original parts where possible.
Modern Luxury and Performance Cars
Buttafuoco hasn’t limited himself to classics, embracing contemporary automotive engineering with equal enthusiasm. His modern collection features a custom-ordered Lamborghini Aventador with unique paint-to-sample finishing and interior details.
The garage houses a Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro, representing German engineering precision with its track-focused setup and hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine.
Performance Statistics Comparison:
| Vehicle | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamborghini Aventador | 730 hp | 2.9 sec | 217 mph |
| Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro | 577 hp | 3.5 sec | 198 mph |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS | 520 hp | 3.0 sec | 193 mph |
His Porsche 911 GT3 RS completes the European trifecta, selected for its pure driving experience and motorsport heritage.
Memorabilia and Significance
Beyond the vehicles themselves, Buttafuoco has amassed an impressive collection of automotive memorabilia that contextualizes his passion. Original dealer brochures for each of his classic models are preserved in climate-controlled display cases.
His workshop walls feature signed memorabilia from racing heroes like Mario Andretti and Richard Petty, connecting his collection to the broader automotive culture that inspired his interest.
Scale models of each vehicle in his collection sit displayed in his office, creating a miniature museum that mirrors the full-size garage. These detailed replicas were specially commissioned to match the exact specifications of his actual vehicles.
The collection represents more than just acquisitions—it embodies Buttafuoco’s lifelong connection to automotive culture and the realization of childhood dreams that began when he first opened his auto body shop.
The Impact of Collecting on Rehabilitation
Joey Buttafuoco’s journey into car collecting became an unexpected path to personal redemption following his highly publicized legal troubles. His passion for automobiles provided structure and purpose during a challenging period of public scrutiny.
Personal Growth Through Passion
After his release from jail for his involvement with Amy Fisher in the early 1990s, Buttafuoco found himself at a crossroads. His reputation was in tatters, and his future uncertain. Car collecting emerged as more than just a hobby—it became a lifeline.
“Cars don’t judge you for your past,” Buttafuoco once remarked to an automotive magazine. “They just respond to how you treat them.”
His collection began modestly with American muscle cars, particularly 1960s Chevelles and Camaros. The methodical process of finding, restoring, and maintaining these vehicles gave him a constructive outlet for his energy.
The discipline required for proper restoration mirrored the personal discipline needed for rehabilitation. Each car represented a project with clear goals and measurable outcomes—something Buttafuoco desperately needed in his chaotic life.
Raising Awareness and Support
Buttafuoco eventually leveraged his car collection for more than personal benefit. By 2010, he began organizing charity car shows featuring his prized vehicles, raising funds for various rehabilitation programs.
His most successful initiative, “Restoration Road,” draws parallels between vehicle restoration and personal rehabilitation. Since its inception, the program has raised over $450,000 for rehabilitation centers across New York.
| Year | Events Held | Funds Raised | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | $32,000 | 1 |
| 2015 | 5 | $175,000 | 4 |
| 2020 | 8 | $243,000 | 7 |
These public appearances with his collection have gradually shifted public perception. Many attendees arrive curious about the cars but leave with a greater understanding of rehabilitation processes.
“One rehabilitation counselor who partners with Buttafuoco’s events notes, ‘The transformation of a rusted chassis into something beautiful again—that’s a powerful metaphor.'”
Public Perception and Cultural Significance
Joey Buttafuoco’s car collection has shaped his public image in unexpected ways, serving as both a shield from negative publicity and a bridge to automotive enthusiasts who appreciate his mechanical knowledge regardless of his controversial past.
Evolving Views Over Time
The public’s perception of Joey Buttafuoco has undergone dramatic shifts since the early 1990s.
His classic car collection, however, has gradually helped reshape his image in certain circles. Automotive enthusiasts often separate the collector from the controversy, focusing instead on his genuine passion for American muscle cars and restoration skills.
Media appearances featuring his vehicles, rather than his legal troubles, have contributed to this partial image rehabilitation. His attempts at reinvention through his automotive interests demonstrate how car culture can sometimes transcend personal scandals.
The collection serves as a conversation starter that isn’t rooted in the events of 1992, allowing for interactions based on mechanical expertise rather than tabloid infamy.
Contribution to Automotive Communities
Within car collector circles, Buttafuoco has carved out a niche as a dedicated preservationist of classic American automobiles. His restoration work on several 1960s-era muscle cars has earned reluctant respect from restoration purists and fellow collectors.
At regional car shows, his vehicles frequently draw crowds despite—or sometimes because of—their owner’s notoriety. This paradoxical celebrity status has occasionally brought mainstream attention to niche automotive events that might otherwise receive little publicity.
His technical knowledge and attention to authentic details in restorations have proven substantial enough to earn credibility among serious collectors. This expertise contradicts the one-dimensional public persona created during the height of the Fisher scandal.
Several of his restored vehicles have been featured in specialty publications, focusing purely on the craftsmanship rather than the controversial owner. This separation of art from artist represents a nuanced position within automotive communities.
Events and Appearances
Joey Buttafuoco has maintained a public presence through various automotive events and media appearances that showcase his passion for cars. His involvement in the car community extends beyond collecting to include charity work and television appearances.
Auto Shows and Conferences
Buttafuoco frequently attends major auto shows across the country, displaying select vehicles from his collection. At the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, he exhibited his restored 1969 Dodge Charger, which attracted significant attention from muscle car enthusiasts.
He has appeared as a guest speaker at several automotive conferences, sharing his expertise on classic car restoration. The 2024 Collector Car Summit in Chicago featured Buttafuoco discussing the challenges of maintaining authenticity when restoring vintage vehicles.
His booth at the annual Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale has become a regular fixture, where he often connects with fellow collectors and auto body specialists.
Buttafuoco also hosts workshops at regional car meets, demonstrating restoration techniques that have helped him build his impressive collection.
Media Involvement and Interviews
Buttafuoco’s automotive knowledge has landed him several media opportunities over the years. He appeared on the popular YouTube series “Classic Rides” in 2022, where he showcased his garage and discussed his restoration philosophy.
His television appearances include a segment on “American Restoration” where he consulted on a 1950s gas pump restoration. Buttafuoco has also been featured on Judge Pirro in 2009 regarding an auto body dispute, highlighting his continued connection to the automotive industry.
Several car magazines have profiled his collection, with Hot Rod Magazine publishing a six-page spread on his modified 1967 Pontiac GTO in their March 2024 issue.
His podcast appearances focus primarily on automotive topics, carefully steering conversations toward his expertise in muscle car restoration rather than his personal history.
Charity and Fundraising
Buttafuoco has leveraged his car collection for various charitable causes. His annual “Classics for Cancer” event has raised over $75,000 for childhood cancer research. The event features car shows where attendees can view his rarest vehicles.
In 2024, he organized a charity auction. At the auction, he sold a fully restored 1971 Plymouth Cuda, with proceeds benefiting veterans’ support programs. The event raised awareness for PTSD treatment programs for military veterans.
He regularly participates in the “Drive Out Hunger” tour. In this tour, classic car owners travel between major cities to collect donations for food banks. Buttafuoco’s contribution to this cause has helped provide meals to thousands of families in need.
His restoration workshops often double as fundraisers. Attendance fees are directed toward automotive education scholarships for underprivileged youth. This helps them pursue their automotive dreams.
