Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and one of the most influential figures in the automobile industry, is often associated with electric vehicles (EVs). However, contrary to popular belief, Musk’s personal car collection is not entirely electric. Over the years, he has owned a variety of vehicles, ranging from classic gasoline-powered cars to high-performance sports cars. This blog explores the fascinating mix of cars in Elon Musk’s collection, proving that even the biggest proponent of EVs appreciates internal combustion engines (ICE) and automotive history.
Elon Musk’s Early Love for Cars
Before becoming a billionaire entrepreneur, Musk had a strong passion for cars. He used the money from the sale of his first company, Zip2, to purchase a McLaren F1, one of the most legendary supercars ever built. This high-performance car, powered by a BMW V12 engine, is a far cry from the silent, efficient EVs Tesla produces today. Musk even famously crashed this McLaren F1, reinforcing his status as a genuine car enthusiast beyond just electric mobility.
A Look at Musk’s Car Collection
Musk’s car collection is diverse, spanning various brands, fuel types, and eras. Let’s take a detailed look at some of the most notable vehicles he has owned:
1. McLaren F1
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Engine: 6.1L BMW S70/2 V12
- Top Speed: 240 mph
- Significance: Considered one of the greatest supercars of all time, the McLaren F1 was a masterpiece of engineering and design. Musk bought this car in 1999 but crashed it in 2000.
2. Lotus Esprit Submarine Car (Wet Nellie)
- Fuel Type: Custom-built electric conversion
- Significance: This unique vehicle was featured in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. Musk purchased it at an auction and even hinted at the possibility of converting it into a real-life working submarine car.
3. Ford Model T
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Significance: One of the most important cars in automotive history, the Ford Model T symbolizes the beginning of mass car production. Musk reportedly owns this classic as a tribute to Henry Ford’s contribution to the industry.
4. Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Engine: 3.8L or 4.2L inline-six
- Significance: Regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, Musk bought this car as his first-ever classic car purchase. He once described it as his dream car.
5. Porsche 911 Turbo
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Engine: Twin-turbo flat-six
- Significance: The Porsche 911 Turbo is an icon of automotive performance, blending luxury and speed. Musk has owned various versions of the 911, despite being a strong advocate of electric cars.
The Tesla Influence: Musk’s Love for EVs
While Musk has owned and appreciated gas-powered cars, his primary focus has always been on electric mobility. He has played a crucial role in revolutionizing the EV industry with Tesla’s innovative lineup. Some of his favorite Tesla models include:
1. Tesla Roadster (Original and New 2023 Model)
- The first-generation Tesla Roadster was the car that started Tesla’s journey.
- The upcoming new Roadster aims to break acceleration and range records.
2. Tesla Model S Plaid
- One of the fastest sedans in the world, with a 0-60 mph time of under 2 seconds.
- Represents the pinnacle of Tesla’s technological advancements.
3. Tesla Cybertruck
- Musk has been personally involved in the development of this futuristic truck.
- Promises to redefine the pickup truck segment with its design and performance.
Why Musk Still Appreciates Classic and Performance Cars
Despite being the face of the electric vehicle revolution, Musk has always had an appreciation for classic and performance-oriented vehicles. Several reasons explain why he still keeps ICE cars in his collection:
- Engineering Marvels: Many of the cars he owns are considered engineering masterpieces.
- Automotive History: Musk has a strong appreciation for the impact certain cars had on shaping the industry.
- Collector’s Value: Some of these cars are rare and continue to appreciate in value over time.
- Sentimental Value: Some vehicles, like the Jaguar E-Type, hold personal significance for Musk.
Conclusion
Elon Musk may be the leading advocate for electric vehicles, but his car collection proves that he appreciates automotive excellence in all its forms, whether electric or gasoline-powered. From the legendary McLaren F1 to the historic Ford Model T, Musk’s collection reflects a blend of innovation, nostalgia, and high-performance engineering. While Tesla continues to shape the future of transportation, Musk’s passion for cars remains rooted in the past as well as the future.
Hello, my name is Muskan Kumari and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 3 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
