AUSTIN, TEXAS: During his appearance on the 'Joe Rogan Experience' podcast, renowned comedian Gabriel Iglesias 'Fluffy' opened up about his deep passion for collecting Volkswagen vans and shed light on his lack of interest in collecting Porsches. In episode #2001, the conversation between Iglesias and renowned UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan took an intriguing turn toward the subject of various collectibles, prompting Rogan to inquire about Iglesias' fascination with Volkswagen vans.
The exchange between the two unveiled valuable insights into Iglesias' approach to car collecting. Rogan was genuinely astonished upon discovering the staggering number of cars that Iglesias had amassed.
'I lost count, it’s over 20'
Iglesias, known for his witty flair, humorously characterized collecting as "hoarding" and openly confessed, "I’ve got a lot of Volkswagens.” Rogan curiously pressed for a precise tally, but Iglesias, in his characteristic lighthearted fashion, delivered a playful response. Iglesias said, "I don’t wanna sound like a d**che, but I lost count… It’s over 20.”
Rogan delved deeper, seeking to understand why he preferred VW vans. Iglesias traced it back to his very first car, a 1968 VW Bus, which sparked his fascination. He reminisced about a conversation with renowned car enthusiast Jay Leno, who had showcased his impressive collection and emphasized the notion of investing in something that brings joy. It was during this encounter that Iglesias, who has a net worth of $40 million, caught the "collection" bug.
In addition, Iglesias shared a heartwarming tale about personally procuring his ex-girlfriend's first car and receiving invaluable support from Leno's team in reclaiming his first car, which coincidentally turned out to be a bus. This experience served as a powerful inspiration for him, fueling his desire to acquire more VW vans. To his delight, Leno's team offered their assistance, and within a mere three days, they presented him with another van, which Iglesias eagerly embraced. This kickstarted his ever-enriching collecting journey.
Why Iglesias prefers VW buses
In response to Rogan's inquiry about his affinity for VW vans, Iglesias revealed that the vehicle holds a dear place in his heart due to its iconic status. While many collectors gravitate towards Porsches, Iglesias finds the Volkswagen bus to be exceptionally captivating and instantly recognizable, making it a distinctive and effortlessly cool choice.
Iglesias added, "With a bus, no one’s looking at you like, ‘OMG, another Porsche.”
Embarking on a nostalgic recollection of his collector's path, Iglesias disclosed that his venture into amassing Volkswagen vans commenced roughly a decade ago. Over the years, his collection has burgeoned impressively, currently boasting a remarkable tally of over 20 cherished Volkswagens under his ownership.
