Why Bill Gates Paid 13 Years to Store a Car He Never Drove

When one's wealth can revolutionize industries and redefine global philanthropy, the term “no” transitions from a definitive roadblock to a minor obstacle. Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder whose fortune positions him among today’s most impactful figures, exemplified this philosophy. For over a decade, Gates paid a daily rate to store a car he was unable to drive legally. The tale commenced in 1988, during Microsoft’s ascent, when Gates sought the extraordinary: a Porsche 959. This was not merely a sports car; it emerged from the high-performance realm of Group B rallying. With a cutting-edge twin-turbo engine and advanced features, the 959 could reach 60 mph in under four seconds. However, upon arrival in the U.S., Gates faced regulatory hurdles since the car lacked necessary testing and did not comply with emissions standards.Rather than abandon his coveted vehicle, Gates paid an ongoing storage fee, amassing over $133,000, viewing it as an investment. Eventually, his lobbying efforts aided in creating new regulations permitting the legal importation of such vehicles.

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