When he's not busy shooting rockets into space or stirring things up on social media, Elon Musk is revving up his passion for cars. From his game-changing Teslas to the rare cars he’s bought – and sold - he’s a collector of innovative autos with enough money in his pocket to fuel his obsession. Whether it's pushing the boundaries of our atmosphere or tooling around the neighborhood in a Model T, Elon is always moving forward.
Tesla Highlights
Tesla Roadster (Original): Impact of Tesla’s first car.
The Tesla Roadster didn’t just turn heads—it completely flipped the script on electric car technology. As the first ride to roll out of the Tesla factory, it entered a space where previous electric car attempts had crashed and burned, leaving people skeptical. But Tesla wasn’t here to make another Prius. Nope, he took the sleek Lotus Elise body, added electric power, and created a sports car that was as thrilling to drive as it was to look at. Suddenly, electric cars weren’t just practical—they were cool! Between 2008 and 2012, Tesla sold 2,450 of these first-gen roadsters, each with a $100,000 price tag. Sure, it was ahead of its time, but back then, according to Hagerty, no one quite knew what to make of a silent sports car.
Tesla Model S and X: Musk’s use of these flagship models.
In Tesla’s roster, the Model X and Model S are the forerunners that proved electric cars could be more than just eco-friendly—they could be revolutionary. These flagship rides from the stable of Tesla cars didn’t just get you from A to B; they came packed with cutting-edge tech, like autopilot features and improved battery power that made the competition look like they were childhood tin pedal cars. With the SUV-style X and sleek sedan S, they were able to blend in with the crowd. That all changed with the Cybertruck.
Tesla Cybertruck: The futuristic design and its place in the collection.
Despite all the jokes about the Tesla Cybertruck looking like it rolled off a sci-fi movie set—or a high-tech garbage dumpster—it’s clear that its edgy, polygonal design speaks to people who love thinking outside the box. Just like Musk has redefined the limits with reusable rockets, the Cybertruck pushes boundaries in design, functionality, and innovation, cementing Musk’s place as a true visionary. With a range of 340 miles (or up to 470 miles with an extender), this futuristic beast proves it's not just a pretty—or polarizing—face. And rumor has it Musk is toying with the idea of putting the same chassis on a van.
Rare and Exotic Cars
McLaren F1: Story of Musk’s purchase and crash.
Most car lovers might be happy to gawk at a McLaren F1 —the epitome of high-octane gas-powered performance with only 106 in existence—safely tucked away in a museum. But not Elon Musk! The moment he sold his first company, Zip2, for a few million, he didn't just window shop—he dropped serious cash on one of the rarest supercars around.
Eager to show off its insane speed to his buddy, Peter Thiel, Elon hit the gas... but forgot one crucial thing: traction control. With a roar, the rear wheels spun out, and the car took off like a rocket. The F1 skidded through the air and crash-landed into an embankment –was this his first SpaceX test rocket? Miraculously, both walked away without a scratch, but here’s the kicker: Elon hadn’t insured the car. Despite the pricey mishap, he sold the wrecked McLaren in 2007 and made a profit.
Lotus Esprit “Wet Nellie”: The James Bond submarine car and Musk's plans.
The Lotus Esprit from “The Spy Who Loved Me” may have looked like the ultimate spy car, but in reality, it was just a shell with some movie magic—thanks to Perry Oceanographic, Inc., who turned it into a functional submarine for the film. And by "submarine," it means it was a wet sub, where the passengers had to wear wetsuits when they took it for a dive.
Enter Elon Musk. In 2013, at RM Auctions in Battersea, SW London, he scooped up the famous Bond sub for a cool $724,500. But Elon being Elon, he didn’t just want a prop for his collection—he’s planning to give this iconic vehicle an upgrade by fitting it with Tesla’s electric drivetrain and turning it into a car that can actually go from land to water. Because why wouldn’t you?
Classic Vehicles
Ford Model T: Musk’s appreciation for automotive history.
By owning a Ford Model T, Elon Musk may just be linking the automotive past with the electric future. Sure, nothing in Tesla’s lineup remotely resembles the iconic Model T, but Musk’s appreciation for automotive history—and for forward-thinking trailblazers like Henry Ford—could be the spark behind this classic addition to his collection. Maybe Elon sees a bit of himself in Ford, a modern-day disruptor revolutionizing the car world. Whatever his reasons, one thing’s for sure: the Model T, one of America’s most beloved classic cars, now has a place in Elon’s garage, where submarines meet the first assembly line.
- Porsche 911 Turbo: Musk’s ownership of this classic sports car.
Elon's love affair with his Porsche 911 Turbo might have actually steered him straight into the world of Tesla. Musk approached Alan Cocconi, the genius behind AC Propulsion’s electric drivetrains, and asked him to supercharge his beloved 911 with battery power. Cocconi said, “No,” but pointed Elon toward a scrappy little electric car startup called Tesla. And, well, the rest is electric-powered history. So, in a way, you could say that Musk’s high-speed Porsche dreams ended up sparking a revolution in the car world!
Collection Insight
Elon Musk’s car collection is as eclectic as his ideas, showcasing his love for the full spectrum of automotive history. From the legendary Ford Model T, a nod to the past and the birth of the modern car, to the jaw-dropping McLaren F1, satisfying his obsession with speed and performance, Elon’s garage is anything but ordinary. Then there’s Tesla with its vision for a sustainable, electric future.
Conclusion
Elon’s car collection is more than just a lineup of cool rides; it’s a peek into the mind of a man who’s constantly fueled by innovation. Each car isn’t just for show—every one of them seems to trigger a spark that leads to game-changing ideas, from new Tesla models to reusable rockets. It’s not hard to see the futuristic DNA of the Cybertruck in the body of “Wet Nellie,” the submersible Lotus from “The Spy Who Loved Me”. Pushing the limits is Elon’s thing, so who knows what the next Tesla will look like—or how far a single charge will take us into the future! With Musk steering the company, anything’s possible.
