Russian Billionaire Abramovich Has The Best Toys

Roman Abramovich is a Russian businessman and owner of the private investment company Millhouse LLC. At 47, he has managed to become the 5th richest in his country and the 50th richest in the world. With an estimated fortune of $14.2 billion, as of last count. He started on this wealthy path when he was in the Soviet army. He went from street vendor to mechanic and later sold imported rubber ducks from his home in Moscow. Once privatization opened up in 1988, he and his then wife-Olga, began making dolls. He diversified quickly and became involved in oil conglomerates, pig farms and about 20 other companies during the 90s.

In 1995, Abramovich and Boris Berezovsky (Boris Yeltsin’s associate) became majority owners of Sibneft, a large oil company. The investment rapidly turned into billions and he continued to become more and more business savvy. He became close with the Yeltsin family and in 1999 he was elected governor of Russia’s remote province of Chukotka. Records have it that he has spent over $1.3 billion of his own money to rebuild the impoverished area.

Today, he is known as a magnanimous leader who cares about those less fortunate. Of course, when he isn’t attending to all of that, he is hanging out on one of his superyachts, jets, submarines or racing one of his ? autos. He loves big, expensive toys and up until last year, his megayacht Eclipse, was the largest in the world.

1. Eclipse Superyacht

This 536-foot long yacht was built by Blohm & Voss of Hamburg, Germany especially for Mr. Abramovich. It was said to cost approximately $475 million and when you hear about all of the features, you will see why. Not one, but two helicopter pads, 24-guest cabins, two swimming pools, a disco hall, three launch boats and a mini-submarine. The vessel is so large, it requires 70 crew members to operate and serve. In 2011, the yacht was listed as available for charter through SuperYachtsMonaco brokerage, however rumors claim it was done to avoid paying European property taxes (charters are exempt).

Abramovich has owned other yachts, such as the 19th largest yacht in the world – the Pelorus, but he gave it to his first wife in the divorce, who later sold it for $300 million. He buys and sells toys at such a rapid rate, it is hard to keep up. But last we heard, he still owns four other yachts including the Eclipse.

Yes, this is the two-man submarine that is generally docked in the Eclipse’s on-board garage. The garage also includes about 20 jet skis.

2. Bandit: Boeing 767-33A

This little aircraft can hold up to 375 people. Hey, some people are afraid of small vehicles. Equipped like a small private jet, Roman has adorned this plane with all of his favorite things so he and gorgeous model-editor girlfriend, Dasha Zhukova, can zip off anywhere at any time. The interior is decorated in chestnut and gold – photographs are not available. He also owns an Airbus A340-313X – not quite as exciting, but can you imagine having two jumbo planes at your disposal. That’s luxury living.

3. Sports Car Collection

Roman’s said to have a love of driving fast cars, so this Bugatti isn’t a big surprise. He is a big sports car collector and owns quite the variety. In fact, we can’t even name half of them as the collection keeps changing and growing. When we last checked in, he owned the Bugatti Veryron, Maserati MC12 Corsa, Porsche Carrera GT (custom), Maybach 62 limousines, Ferrari 360, Mercedes Benz and this limited edition Ferrari FXX.

4. Eurocopter Helicopters

The billionaire owns three Europcopters (EC-145, EC-135T1 and the EC-155B). They are generally kept on one of his four yachts, one at Blackbushe airport and one at his Fyning Hill home in the UK. If Roman wants to go somewhere, it is pretty clear he has the means and the modes.