You may have heard the name Lingenfelter before. In particular, it has been associated with Chevrolet performance modifications. However, a love of all cars runs deep in the Lingenfelter family. John Lingenfelter was an NHRA driver and tuner and won 13 national events in his life. But that’s not why we’re here today, we’re able to be here because of his distant cousin, Ken.
Ken Lingenfelter is the son of a GM executive so it’s safe to assume he has been into cars for quite some time. As the son of an executive of one of the most recognizable automotive brands ever, (I assume) you become used to a certain lifestyle. Ken is no different. Ken made his own wealth through real estate which allowed him to acquire what is probably the most impressive private collection of automobiles in the Midwest.
The Lingenfelter Collection is comprised of 3 bays inside a warehouse. Each bay is just as impressive as the last for it’s own unique reasons. I was able to attend the spring opener that benefited the American Cancer society this past weekend.
In the first bay is hands down the craziest Ferrari collection in the States, aside from David Lee’s. All the iconic prancing horses of the modern day are accounted for, starting with the Ferrari 288 GTO. The “F” Cars are there too, sans F50 (F40, F60 – Enzo and F70 – LaFerrari). The F12 TDF is the literal and figurative cherry on top.
In the isle next to the stunning reds is quite a unique mixture of Audi and American muscle. An incredibly rare Lamborghini Reventon (1/20) and the you-know-this-one-even-if-you-know-nothing-about-cars Bugatti Veyron. It would be rude not to mention the I-bet-you-haven’t-seen-this-before Vector M12 and Ford GT in appropriate colors.
Bay two and three are car after car each with plaques saying “One of One” or two, mostly Chevys. The most notable ones that aren’t Chevys are the stunning quartet of Shelby Mustangs (RIP Carroll) and a properly cool, mid-engined Falcon F7. The coolest color in the collection is easily the ’68 Restomod Camaro.
Let us know your favorite in the comments below!
