This $125 million estate features not only a large garage but also its own car museum.

      Elliman Real Estate

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      Who would have imagined that the standout feature of a 137-acre estate in Southern California would be a 24,000 sq. ft. building filled with preserved animals? Additionally, it can also accommodate numerous preserved cars.

      Situated in the foothills of Orange County, California, lies the Lyon Estate, established by the late Major General William Lyon in 1986. Lyon, who transitioned from a U.S. Air Force Reserve Commander to a real estate tycoon, passed away in 2020 at 97, followed by his wife, Willa Dean Lyon, in 2024. This has prompted the sale.

      “With my parents gone, it’s not the same place,” Bill Lyon shared with the WSJ.

      This estate, which was Bill’s childhood home, is remarkable for various reasons. Located in the highly exclusive, gated community of Coto de Caza, the main residence boasts eight bedrooms and spans 21,000 square feet with elegant Georgian design. The property also includes three guest homes, a helipad, a tennis court, a wine cellar made of brick, a playhouse, a resort-like pool with an independent pool house, and equestrian facilities featuring a 10-stall barn and riding arena. Moreover, the meticulously landscaped lawns and gardens are encircled by 41 acres of orange orchards.

      However, the standout feature for us is the luxurious automotive storage and curation space, which is far too grand to simply call “a garage.”

      Elliman Real Estate

      Interestingly, Lyon, who grew up in Los Angeles, was an avid car enthusiast. Bill recounted a pivotal "car guy" moment when his father spotted actress Norma Shearer stepping out of a red Cadillac on Sunset Boulevard. The experience of being near a Hollywood star combined with the Cadillac ignited a passion for prewar American classic cars in his nine-year-old mind.

      “There was something about the girl, the car, and the whole scene that sparked his love for prewar American classic cars,” Bill explained.

      In this estate, there is a 23,679 sq. ft. car museum, which the WSJ described as the pièce de résistance. However, there’s no indication that the vehicles are included in the sale. At one point, Lyon's car collection numbered around 100, though not all were housed on-site. The museum can comfortably fit 70 vehicles, while about 80 were displayed at a time.

      The surplus, Bill mentioned, was showcased in another museum located at John Wayne Airport. *cough* This would be the Lyon Air Museum, established by his father. With such a large collection, did Lyon have a favorite? Indeed; a 1929 Duesenberg Model J was his prized possession, a surprising 60th birthday present from his wife.

      The late major general went beyond merely creating a personal exhibition; he also constructed a private fueling station, an auto shop, a car wash, and employed a full-time mechanic. All vehicles are operational and driven a few times a year “to keep the seals and gaskets in good shape,” Bill noted.

      Elliman Real Estate

      Automakers frequently rent private residences for vehicle showcase events. So, why not the Lyon Estate? The car museum features a recessed turntable for those grand unveilings. The presence of taxidermy could attract as much attention as the cars themselves. Reportedly stemming from a family hunting trip in the ‘80s, various game pieces from the Tanzania expedition complement the gleaming automobiles.

      Overall, the Coto de Caza estate is vast yet not entirely isolated. A 64-acre portion of the property has been pre-approved for additional development. Should the new owners decide to proceed, as many as 25 new homes could be constructed, forming a new gated community. After all, the $125 million asking price needs to be recouped, right?

      If sold near that price, the Lyon Estate would set a real estate record for Orange County. The current record holder is a Newport Coast mansion that sold for $61 million in 2020. Just a drop in the bucket.

      Have you seen any other incredible car enthusiast estates? Send them our way at [email protected]