But there was a catch—a bureaucratic one. The car didn’t meet the United States’ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. And in America, such cars were either refused entry or destroyed.
Gates’ Porsche was instead impounded at the Port of Seattle. The U.S. Customs Service didn’t destroy it, but they didn’t release it either. Instead, they issued a daily fine of $28. Every single day. For 13 long years.
Bill Gates bought a Porsche 959 in 1988. (Image: iStock)
$28 a Day for a Dream Deferred
As reported by Supercar Blondie, Gates quietly paid the fine, totaling around $133,580 over more than a decade—not counting the $500 annual bond required to retain his claim on the car. That’s all before the original price tag of the Porsche, which at the time was around $225,000—a figure that inflates to over $600,000 today.
Why didn’t Gates simply abandon the car? Because, as it turns out, even billionaires have emotional attachments. This wasn’t just a status symbol; it was a symbol of passion. Gates’ determination to hold on to the 959—despite the absurd daily fee—demonstrates his enduring affection for machines that push the limits of innovation.
Finally, the Law Caught Up
It wasn’t until August 1999 that a legal shift changed everything. A new federal clause known as the “Show or Display” rule was introduced. This allowed the import of non-compliant cars under limited use conditions—specifically, not exceeding 2,500 road miles a year. By 2001, Gates was finally allowed to claim his prized Porsche and hit the road legally. The car remains in his collection today—a metallic emblem of delayed gratification, and possibly the most expensive game of “wait and watch” in the auto world.
A Fortune Spent
Today, the Porsche 959 is a collector’s gem. Some of these rare machines are valued at well over $1 million, making Gates’ prolonged patience a lucrative investment in hindsight. But the story isn’t just about money—it’s about a man who could buy anything, but chose to wait for what he truly wanted.
Even with a net worth of over $116 billion (as of 2025), Gates’ 13-year stand-off with U.S. regulations paints a picture of personal passion prevailing over paperwork. And while Elon Musk may now top the billionaire list, this tale reminds us that every mogul has their own quiet indulgences—and sometimes, they come with a parking ticket attached.
