Top 10 Abandoned Supercars of Dubai – Where Are They Now?
Dubai is known for its shimmering skyline, luxury lifestyle, and a car culture unlike anywhere else on Earth. But beneath the glamour lies one of the city’s most fascinating—and heartbreaking—phenomena: abandoned supercars.
Every year, dozens of luxury and exotic cars—from Ferraris to Lamborghinis—are left to gather dust in parking lots, villas, and even at the airport.
So what happens to these cars? And why would anyone leave behind a million-dirham masterpiece?
Let’s dive into the top 10 abandoned supercars of Dubai and uncover where they are now.
1. Ferrari Enzo – The Forgotten Legend
Once worth over AED 10 million, a red Ferrari Enzo was famously found abandoned near Dubai International Airport in 2012. The car, one of only 399 ever made, belonged to a businessman who reportedly fled the country due to debt-related issues.
After years of legal procedures, it was eventually auctioned off by Dubai Police—a fate that turned this sad story into a lucky day for one collector.
2. Lamborghini Aventador SV – Left in the Heat
Parked outside a luxury apartment complex in Dubai Marina, this matte-black Aventador SV became an Instagram sensation after photos of it covered in sand went viral. The reason? Its owner had defaulted on bank loans.
Under Dubai’s car abandonment law, the vehicle was towed and later sold through a government auction. Today, it’s believed to be in private ownership in Sharjah.
3. McLaren 720S – The Airport Ghost
Perhaps the most iconic of all is the McLaren 720S left at Dubai Airport’s long-term parking. Travelers spotted it repeatedly between 2019 and 2022—unmoved, dusty, and alone.
It was finally impounded by authorities and sold in a police auction, serving as a reminder that even the most modern machines aren’t immune to being forgotten.
4. Rolls-Royce Ghost – The Royal Left Behind
Found in an underground parking space in Jumeirah, this Rolls-Royce Ghost once symbolized ultimate prestige. Rumor has it that the owner, a foreign investor, left Dubai after facing financial collapse. The car was seized and auctioned in 2023.
5. Porsche 911 Turbo S – The Collector’s Pain
A silver 911 Turbo S sat untouched for over two years in Al Quoz Industrial Area before being rescued. Today, it’s been lovingly restored by a Dubai-based enthusiast and often displayed at weekend car meets—a rare happy ending among abandonment tales.
6. BMW i8 – The Electric Orphan
Left in a Business Bay basement parking lot, this futuristic hybrid was a symbol of modern innovation—until it wasn’t. The i8’s fate followed the same legal process: impound, documentation, and eventual auction.
7. Maserati GranTurismo – The Sand Sculpture
Photos of a sand-covered Maserati GranTurismo made headlines in 2020, showing just how quickly Dubai’s desert climate takes over. The car was eventually removed and sold for parts—a haunting image of luxury lost to time.
8. Bentley Continental GT – The Beach Find
Near Palm Jumeirah, a Bentley Continental GT was found near a villa compound, partially buried by sandstorms. The vehicle was later identified as part of a repossession case, and it now reportedly sits in a classic car collection in Abu Dhabi.
9. Audi R8 – The Instagram Star
This white Audi R8 became an online sensation after tourists snapped photos of it sitting abandoned in Downtown Dubai. The car was auctioned after 6 months of no claim—an example of how Dubai Police efficiently handle such cases.
10. Nissan GT-R – The Affordable Supercar with a Sad End
Even the "Godzilla" of Japanese performance cars isn’t immune. A Nissan GT-R, left near Al Barsha, met the same fate: towed, impounded, and resold. Once a dream car for many, it’s now a cautionary tale about over-financing and fast lifestyles.
Why Are So Many Supercars Abandoned in Dubai?
Most cases trace back to financial issues.
Under UAE law, failing to repay debts can lead to legal consequences, and in some cases, owners choose to leave the country suddenly—abandoning their assets, including vehicles.
The city’s extreme weather and transient expatriate population add to the mix, resulting in these luxury machines being left behind.
Dubai’s Car Abandonment Law: What Happens Next
When a vehicle is left unattended for a long period, Dubai authorities issue a warning notice. If unclaimed, it’s impounded by Dubai Municipality or Dubai Police and then auctioned.
The process ensures fair legal handling and often gives new buyers a chance to own luxury cars at a fraction of their market price.
The Emotional Side of the Story
Each of these cars once symbolized ambition, achievement, and status. Seeing them covered in dust is more than a spectacle—it’s a reminder that luxury without stability can fade fast.
Yet, Dubai’s system ensures that every car eventually finds a new owner, keeping the city’s love affair with automobiles alive.
Final Thoughts
From Ferraris to Bentleys, the abandoned supercars of Dubai tell stories of ambition, misfortune, and renewal. They’ve become part of the city’s legend—half tragic, half fascinating.
And if you’re dreaming of owning one of these incredible machines, the good news is that Dubai’s used car market offers some of the world’s best deals, transparency, and variety.
For the best used cars in Dubai, explore Auto Trader UAE — your trusted destination to buy, sell, or discover extraordinary used cars in Dubai.
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