Shaq Will Continue to Buy Supercars, Despite Not Being Able to Fit in Them

Despite his towering presence and success on the basketball court, Shaquille O’Neal faces a unique dilemma that even his wealth can’t easily solve—fitting into the luxury sports cars of his dreams. The 7’1” NBA legend, known for dominating the game with his size and strength, recently opened up on The Big Podcast with Shaq about the one time he wished he were smaller: when eyeing Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

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Shaq’s size, which served him well in his basketball career, turns into a hindrance when it comes to enjoying the fruits of his labor, particularly the sleek and compact sports cars synonymous with wealth and status. During the podcast, he revealed his past attempts to own these “cool whips” despite the clear knowledge that they were not built for someone of his stature. The LA Lakers star admitted to going to extreme lengths, spending an additional $100,000 to $200,000 to modify these vehicles, including cutting a Ferrari in half and stretching it, just to accommodate his size.

Unlike the more problematic Ferraris and Lamborghinis, Shaq found a somewhat easier solution with the Dodge Charger Hellcat. For these cars, a simple adjustment of moving the seat back sufficed, sparing him from more extensive and expensive modifications. Celebrating his 50th birthday, Shaq treated himself to a Dodge Charger Hellcat, customized with a Diesel Dog Mafia logo, highlighting his continued passion for cars despite the challenges.

Over the years, Shaq has shared numerous stories about his struggles with fitting into luxury cars. One notable tale involved purchasing two Ferraris to create one that could fit him, a testament to his refusal to let his physical limitations dampen his enthusiasm for luxury automobiles. His conversation with Conan O’Brien about this particular modification underscores the lengths to which Shaq is willing to go to fulfill his automotive desires.

Shaq’s car adventures reveal more than just a wealthy athlete’s whims; they illustrate his determination and willingness to overcome obstacles, no matter how peculiar they might seem. While the average person might see these endeavors as excessive, they serve as a reminder of Shaq’s larger-than-life personality, both on and off the court.

About the Author

Shawn Henry

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Shawn Henry has spent years writing about cars, and it shows—not in a resume kind of way, but in how he talks about them. He's the type who'll notice the weird trim option nobody remembers and actually know why it mattered. At Backfire News, he covers pretty much the whole spectrum: off-road trucks and trail builds, performance cars, racing, and the collector market. He's comfortable getting into the technical weeds, but he never forgets that most people read about cars because cars are fun, not because they want a spec sheet. His beat runs from classic and collector vehicles to overlanding culture, modified performance builds, new automotive tech, and the industry news that actually affects what ends up in your driveway. Mostly, though, Shawn thinks the best car stories are about people—the builds they pour money into, the road trips, the communities that form around a shared obsession. That's the stuff he likes writing about, and it's what you'll find in his work here.

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