Elon Musk: How Many Cars Does He Own and Which One Does He Drive? We Discover His Car Collection
Elon Musk has been grabbing headlines since taking over Twitter, but how many cars does the Tesla mogul actually own? And more importantly, which vehicle does he choose to drive? Contrary to what you might expect, Musk's car collection isn't filled exclusively with electric vehicles. Despite his ties to Tesla and his fascination with space technology, his interest in cars goes beyond electric models.
Elon Musk, recognized as the richest man in the world and an innovative entrepreneur, has built his fortune by revolutionizing technology for the general public. However, what may surprise many is his impressive car collection, which goes beyond electric vehicles. A passionate mechanic, Musk owns a variety of unique and extraordinary automobiles, ranging from a classic Ford Model T to a Porsche 911 Turbo.
Discover all the vehicles in Elon Musk's garage.
1978 BMW 320i
Elon Musk bought his first car in 1994, a used BMW 3 Series that he bought for $1,400 and repaired himself. This vehicle belonged to the first generation of the iconic BMW 3 Series, which debuted in 1975 at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. Musk kept this BMW for a few years until one of his interns used it to run errands and one of the wheels broke.
The BMW 3 Series was characterized by its unique kidney grille and a powerful, fuel-injected 2-liter engine that offered remarkable performance, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 km/h (0 to 60 km/h) in just over ten seconds and reaching a top speed of 112 km/h (70 mph). Although initially a success in Europe, it didn't arrive in the United States until 1977.
1997 McLaren F1
The Story of Elon Musk's McLaren F1: A Whim That Marked an Era
After his company was acquired, Elon Musk decided to treat himself. Despite considering whether to buy a house in Palo Alto or a McLaren F1, the choice was clear. Musk bought the iconic F1 and a modest condo, significantly cheaper than the car. His McLaren F1, number 067, was one of seven brought to the US in 1997. This three-seater hypercar could reach 240 mph (Musk claimed to have reached 215 mph on a private track) and he frequently used it as a company car, traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
Despite his driving skills, Musk didn't buy insurance for his McLaren F1. Three years later, Musk crashed his silver supercar while driving with PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel. Although none of the passengers were injured, the car was severely damaged. Musk eventually sold the legendary vehicle in 2007, arguing that he didn't want to be known as the owner of a gas-guzzling, high-performance sports car.
This story serves as a reminder of the importance of having car insurance, even if you think you're an experienced driver. While Musk could afford to pay for the repairs, not everyone has the same financial means.
1976 Lotus Esprit also known as Wet Nellie
Elon Musk and His Fascination with James Bond's Lotus Esprit
The iconic Lotus Esprit featured in the James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me" was a unique operational prop, particularly known for its ability to convert into a submarine. In 2013, this iconic vehicle was auctioned off, and Musk acquired it for nearly $1 million, snatching it off the auctioneers' hands.
Elon Musk has been fascinated by this car ever since he saw James Bond push a button on the Esprit and transform it into an amphibious vehicle. However, Musk and the rest of the world were dismayed to discover that "Wet Nellie," as she was known in the film, couldn't transform into a real submarine.
1920 Ford Model T
The Ford Model T in Elon Musk's Collection: A Look Back
The presence of a classic like the Ford Model T in Elon Musk's collection may be surprising, but it reveals his deep passion for history. For many, it's fitting that the man who aims to revolutionize travel on Earth and in space owns a car that marked a milestone in personal mobility.
The Ford Model T is a true gem in automotive history. When Henry Ford launched the Model T, the first mass-produced automobile for the general public, he created the most influential vehicle of the 20th century.
1967 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
The Jaguar E-Type: Elon Musk's Dream Turned Nightmare
Like many other car enthusiasts, Elon Musk fell in love with the Jaguar E-Type when he first saw it at the age of 17, just as Enzo Ferrari reportedly did. He decided it would be his dream car and vowed to acquire one when he had the opportunity, which he did early on.
However, reality didn't live up to expectations when the British Roadster broke down on the way home from the showroom. This incident marked the beginning of a battle between Musk and the car. According to Musk, the Jaguar turned out to be a "terrible girlfriend," with constant breakdowns and difficulties in operation.
2006 BMW M5
The BMW M5 Tuned by Hamman: A Stunning Transformation
Renowned BMW tuning specialist Hamman took an M5 and turned it into a Bavarian masterpiece. Though the M5 was already a stunning car, Hamman elevated its performance to new heights. He boosted the power of the five-liter V10 engine to 603 horsepower and raised the M5's top speed from a limited 155 mph to an astonishing 199 mph, pushing the engine's capabilities to the limits.
This vehicle, originally conceived as a four-seater "family" car, evolved into an incredibly powerful and exciting machine to drive. Its unreasonableness and performance may have inspired Elon Musk to create the "ludicrous" driving mode for the Tesla Model S he later launched.
2010 Audi Q7
Elon Musk and His Solution to the SUV Dilemma: The Tesla Model X
In 2010, Elon Musk was looking for a spacious vehicle for his large family, and one of the most luxurious SUVs on the market was the Audi Q7. However, Musk wasn't impressed with the Q7 at all, even publicly calling it "particularly hideous." But Musk didn't just criticize; he also offered a solution.
When Musk designed his own SUV, the Tesla Model X, he insisted on equipping it with falcon-wing doors to make it easier to access the rear seats, especially in tight parking situations. Thanks to this innovation, Musk now faces no difficulties whenever he travels with his family.
Porsche 2021 Turbo 911
Elon Musk and His Porsche 911 Transformation: The Origin of Tesla
Who could blame Elon Musk for being fascinated with one of the world's most famous sports cars, the Porsche 911? However, Musk wasn't impressed by the vehicle's massive gasoline engine. His interest in electric cars began when he met engineer JB Straubel in 2003.
Straubel had been working with Alan Cocconi, who had developed the successful T-Zero electric car prototype. Musk was impressed and asked Straubel to convert his Porsche 911 into an electric vehicle using a lithium-ion battery. Although Cocconi declined the idea, he put Musk in touch with people working at a small electric car startup called Tesla.
Musk invested $30 million in Tesla and the rest, as they say, is history!
2008 Tesla Roadster
Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster: From the Streets to the Stars
Elon Musk, of course, owns a Tesla Roadster, though it no longer resides in his garage, but is now among the stars, in space. How did it get there? That's a fascinating story in itself.
In 2008, Tesla launched its first electric vehicle, the Roadster, also known as Project Dark Star. Based on the chassis of a Lotus Elise, equipped with lithium-ion batteries, and with an impressive range of 227 miles and a 0-60 mph speed of 3.7 seconds, Musk was the first lucky owner of a Roadster. He used it as his daily driver for years before deciding to send it off in a unique way.
Instead of selling it, Elon Musk placed it aboard his SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. He strapped a doll named "Starman" into the passenger seat, played "Space Oddity" on the stereo, and launched it into space on February 6, 2018. If you're curious about its current location, the Space Tesla has its own unofficial website tracking its journey through space: whereisroadster.com.
2019 Tesla Model S Performance
The Tesla Model S: Elon Musk's Favorite
Elon Musk has admitted that his Tesla Model S is the vehicle he drives the most, and it's no surprise, given that the Model S is known for being the most comfortable and accommodating in Tesla's fleet. This model pioneered Ludicrous Mode, a power boost inspired by Musk's Hamann-tuned BMW M5.
The 2019 Tesla Model S Performance is a turbocharged machine capable of reaching 60 mph in 2.4 seconds, rivaling some of the fastest cars ever made. Additionally, the Model S features advanced technologies such as semi-autonomous driving mode and Remote Control Driving capability, along with a stunning infotainment screen.
Meanwhile, the standard Tesla Model 3 offers a range of 270 miles, but opting for the Long Range model increases the range to 335 miles. Both versions are designed to deliver exceptional performance, and Ludicrous mode can be unlocked for an additional $15,000.
2020 Tesla Cybertruck
Elon Musk and his revolutionary Tesla Cybertruck
The Cybertruck, unveiled by Elon Musk, one of the world's most controversial figures, is arguably the most controversial vehicle of the century so far. This electric truck, with a unique design and bulletproof glass, is slated for launch in 2023, generating a huge stir in the automotive community.
While the market already includes Rivian's electric truck, Tesla's Cybertruck stands out for its futuristic appearance, which some compare to something straight out of an '80s sci-fi movie, as a compliment. It offers seating for six, an impressive range of up to 500 miles, and its body is made of ultra-hard, cold-rolled stainless steel, along with armored glass.
Despite a minor incident during the launch event, where the supposedly bulletproof glass shattered, the Cybertruck promises to be a revolutionary vehicle in terms of performance. With all-wheel drive, it can tow up to 14,000 pounds and comes in three variants with varying engine counts, offering 0-60 mph speeds ranging from 6.5 seconds to an incredible 2.9 seconds.
