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The 10 richest people in 2013 and their cars

Topping the Forbes List year-in year-out, a hand full of illustrous men are piling up unimaginable fortunes for the perception of mere mortals like us. One is left wondering what people do with billions over billions and arrives at the conclusion that spending such quantities of cash actually could turn out to be quite a stressful matter. Too many options, too many choices, everything is possible...where to start spending? Well...may be with a nice car?

Looking at the drives picked by the top 10 richest men worldwide (as of March 2013), the overall picture is rather sober. Except for small extravagancias here-and-there, the general choice is conservative and the cars' prices well below what those business-gurus could afford. It seems like prudent investment has always been key to their economic success and not even a stand of Ferraris, Lambos and Bugattis makes them lose their head, go wild and spend it all...

10. Bernard Arnault

As chairman of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, Bernard Arnault became the tenth richest person on this planet in 2013, owning $29 billion. Working for the world's biggest group of luxury brands, one must expect him to appreciate the finer things in life, also exclusive cars. Little is known however, he is said to own a BMW 7-Series.

9. Liliane Bettencourt

The only women on this list, Liliane Bettencourt owns a remarkable fortune of $30 billion. She profited from a boost in the stock value of her L'Oreal empire last year. That should be enough pocket money to finance the maintenance of her classy black Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

8. Li Ka-Shing

With $31 billion one of the most powerful business men in Asia, Li Ka-Shing moved up one position from 9th compared to last year. As a selfmade man he values modesty. Hence, while he is said to own two Rolls-Royce Phantoms, they are used for business purposes only. Privately he supposedly drives an older Mercedes-Benz model dating from the 90s.

6. David Koch

On sixth position we have a standoff between two brothers. David Koch, who enjoys the service of a chauffeur for his Mercedes-Benz, is the CEO of Koch Insustries, the company he runs together with his brother...

6. Charles Koch

...Charles Koch, a quite secretive man, who gives no information away about his automotive preferences.

Both brothers possess an estimated fortune of about $34 billion.

5. Larry Ellison

Larry Ellison of Oracle is one of the few true petrol heads amongst the Forbes top ten. He counts an illustre collection of cars including an Audi R8, McLaren F1, Honda NSX, Lexus LFA and Lexus LS 600h L. With an estimated property of $43 billion, he can easily entertain his costly hobby.

4. Warren Buffett

Investment legend Warren Buffett dripped one opsition from thrid to fourth in 2013, with a still remarkable fortune of $53.5 billion. He caused a stir in 2006, when he sold his Lincoln Town Car Signature from 2001 for charity on Ebay. The car was wearing a personalized license plate reading "Thrifty".

3. Amancio Ortega

Amancio Ortega, Spanish selfmade entrepeneur and owner of the global Zara fashion empire, is the richest man in Spain and number three in the world (up from 5th last year). Despite his titanic fortune rounding $57 billion, his automotive choice is executive over luxury. The Audi A8 probably provides as much comfort and anonymity on Madrid's streets, as he desires.

2. Bill Gates

Bill Gates made himself a name as conoisseur and collector of Porsche sportscars. With $67 billion on the bank, buying icons like the 1999 Porsche 911 convertible or a rare 1988 Porsche 959 Coupe must have been like buying a piece of cake. On June 2nd 2012, his 911 Turbo from 1979 was auctioned off in Vienna.

1. Carlos Slim Helu

Carlos Slim Helu, Mexican telecommunications magnate is the richest man in the world with $73 billion. He is better known for his love for art than cars but nonetheless drives in classic British style with a Bentley Continental Spur.