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Exploring Elon Musk’s Diverse Car Collection: A Fascinating Array of Automotive Icons

Updated March 2023: Elon Musk, renowned for his exceptional wealth and groundbreaking contributions in various fields, is not just the face behind Tesla’s electric cars. While he aims to revolutionize space travel and make humanity an interplanetary species, Musk also nurtures a passion for classic and exceptional automobiles. In this updated list, we delve into the cars that adorn Musk’s personal collection, revealing an ᴜ𝚗expected range of automotive treasures.

1978 BMW 320i

A Humble Beginning Elon Musk’s first car, a 1978 BMW 320i, symbolizes his modest origins. During those times, BMWs didn’t possess the prestige they do today. Nevertheless, this vehicle holds historical significance as the initial iteration of the iconic 3 Series.

Purchased for a mere $1,400, Musk invested his own effort into restoring it. Unfortunately, an intern he had lent the car to at his first company, Zip2, experienced an unfortunate wheel detachment incident. Consequently, Musk decided to part ways with the vehicle.

1997 McLaren F1

A Celebratory Supercar The legendary McLaren F1 holds a special place in Musk’s heart. When he sold his first company, Zip2, Musk celebrated by acquiring an F1, dubbing it the “best car ever.” However, after racking up over 11,000 miles on it, Musk eventually crashed the supercar during his frequent commutes between Los Angeles and San Francisco. In 2007, he sold it at a profit, seeking to avoid public perception of him owning a high-performance, gas-guzzling hypercar.

1976 Lotus Esprit

The Iconic “Wet Nellie” Inspired by the famous James Bond movie, The Spy Who Loved Me, Musk added the functioning (albeit barely) prop car, the Lotus Esprit submarine, to his collection. In 2013, he acquired this remarkable piece of cinematic history, known as “Wet Nellie,” at an auction for nearly a million dollars. Musk, like many Bond enthusiasts, was enamored with the idea of a car that could transform into an amphibious vehicle, although he discovered that the Esprit couldn’t actually operate as a submarine.

2012 Porsche 911 Turbo

Sparking an Electric Obsession The iconic Porsche 911 Turbo captivated Musk’s admiration as one of the most legendary sports cars ever produced. However, he was reluctant to embrace its massive, fuel-thirsty engine, which led him down the path of electric vehicles. This fascination ultimately led Musk to connect with the founders of Tesla, an electric car startup. Thus, the 911 Turbo played a role in inspiring the creation of Tesla and its groundbreaking vehicle models.

2010 Audi Q7

Influencing Falcon Doors Back in 2010, the Audi Q7 stood as one of the world’s most luxurious SUVs and accommodated Musk’s large family. However, Musk found the Q7 to be particularly displeasing. Consequently, when designing his own electric SUV, the Model X, Musk remembered his grievances with the Q7. This frustration inspired the innovative falcon wing doors in the Model X, allowing effortless access to the rear seats. While this design choice resulted in an 18-month production delay, it showcased Musk’s commitment to improving upon existing concepts.

2006 BMW M5

Enhanced by Hamann Musk’s ownership of a BMW M5 became the catalyst for an innovation in one of his own Tesla models. The M5 was already a powerful car, but Musk took it a step further by enlisting the services of BMW tuning specialist Hamann to unleash the beastly Power of Acceleration. Hamann delved into the V10 engine, pushing its output to an astounding 600 horsepower.

Musk’s modified M5, with its wider and more аɡɡгеꜱꜱivе appearance, served as the inspiration behind Tesla’s “Ludicrous” mode implemented in the Model S. Musk’s fondness for pure speed is evident in his pursuit of pushing the boundaries of acceleration.

1920 Ford Model T

History on Wheels The Ford Model T holds an iconic place in automotive history, being the first mass-produced vehicle for the general public, thanks to Henry Ford’s visionary approach. As a gift from a friend, the Model T found a fitting home in Musk’s garage. It seems fitting that the most influential car of the 20th century rests under the roof of one of the most influential carmakers of the 21st century.

2016 Model X

Innovation Meets Practicality Musk’s fleet wouldn’t be complete without a selection of Tesla models, including the practical and versatile Model X. In a tweet from a few years ago, Musk shared his ownership of the mid-size luxury crossover EV. The Model X, in production since 2015, serves Musk well in transporting his children, aligning with his appreciation for its functionality and design.

1967 E-Type Jaguar Roadster

A Love-Hate Relationship Musk’s infatuation with the Jaguar E-Type began at the age of 17 when he encountered the classic convertible in a catalog. Determined to own it if ever afforded the opportunity, Musk faced numerous breakdowns and disappointments with the vehicle, comparing it to a troublesome partner. Nonetheless, when Musk received a $40,000 bonus from the sale of Zip2, he splurged almost all of it on the E-Type Jag, which still resides in his garage to this day.

Tesla Roadster

Beyond Earth’s Limits Of course, Musk possesses a Tesla Roadster, but this particular model has transcended the confines of his garage. In 2018, Musk ingeniously sent his own Roadster into space aboard the Falcon Heavy rocket, with a mannequin named Starman occupying the driver’s seat. This historic moment not only showcased Tesla’s first electric car but also symbolized the ambition and boundary-pushing nature of Musk’s endeavors.

2019 Tesla Model S Performance

Musk’s Preferred Ride Among the impressive lineup of Tesla vehicles, the Model S holds a special place in Musk’s heart. Considered the epitome of comfort and luxury within the Tesla range, the Model S served as the platform for Musk’s introduction of the famous “Ludicrous” mode, inspired by his Hamann-tuned BMW M5. However, the billionaire’s need for speed didn’t stop there, as he later unveiled the “Plaid” variant of the Model S, raising the bar for electric vehicle performance.

2020 Tesla Cybertruck

A Bold Statement In true Elon Musk fashion, his collection would not be complete without the highly controversial Tesla Cybertruck. With its polarizing design and the promise of bulletproof windows, the Cybertruck generated immense hype, resulting in $20 million in pre-orders with only $100 deposits. Though production delays due to the рɑndemic postponed its availability until 2023, there’s no doubt that the Cybertruck perfectly embodies Musk’s knack for pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms.

Elon Musk’s vehicle garage stands as a testament to his diverse interests and his relentless pursuit of innovation. Each car within his collection holds a unique story and plays a part in automotive history. From his humble beginnings with a BMW 320i to his ventures into space with the Tesla Roadster, Musk’s car collection reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering passion for creating a