In a recent article published by Gobankingrate, four billionaires were highlighted for their extravagant purchases that left many people astonished. These individuals, known for their frugality in general, have not shied away from splurging on some truly mind-boggling items that go beyond the imagination of the average person.
One such example is the super yacht owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. While owning a super yacht may not be uncommon among billionaires, Abramovich’s yacht, named “Eclipse,” is anything but ordinary. With a net worth estimated at $13 billion, the 550-foot yacht is valued at over $590 million and boasts features such as a swimming pool, dance floor, spacious dining areas, and is almost apocalypse-proof with onboard missile defense systems, laser shields, escape pods, submarines, and three helicopters.
Richard Garriott, a pioneer in the gaming industry and space tourism, who has been recognized as a billionaire, went to great lengths to fulfill his dream of traveling to space. Despite facing bankruptcy twice, he spent $30 million to live on the International Space Station for 12 days in 2008. In 1993, he purchased the Soviet “Lunokhod 2” lunar rover and the “Luna 21” lander for $68,500, both of which were active on the moon’s surface in the 1970s.
Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, a Saudi business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and member of the Saudi royal family with a net worth of $17 billion, signed a custom agreement in 2007 to purchase an A380 superjumbo jet, the largest aircraft model ever produced. Dubbed the “flying palace,” the $310 million plane can accommodate up to 850 passengers but was tailored with amenities such as meeting rooms, cocktail bars, a gym, and even a massage tub.
Topping the list as the wealthiest billionaire is Bill Gates, with a net worth of $117 billion. In 1994, Gates acquired Leonardo da Vinci’s “Codex Leicester” for $30.8 million. The 72-page manuscript contains sketches and scientific writings by da Vinci created between 1506 and 1510 in Milan. Originally known as the “Hammer Codex” after being acquired by an American businessman, Gates restored its original name, the “Codex Leicester.” The manuscript is written in pink ink on double-sided loose-leaf paper, with each page being expandable, totaling 72 pages.
These extravagant purchases by billionaires serve as a window into their unique interests and aspirations, showcasing their willingness to spend exorbitant amounts on items that hold significant historical, technological, or personal value to them.