Does Elon Musk drive a Tesla? It’s a question that might seem odd at first, given that Musk is the CEO of Tesla and one of its biggest proponents. But the truth is that Musk’s car collection is so extensive and varied that it’s easy to forget about the vehicles that started it all.
Does Elon Musk drive a Tesla?
As we all know, Elon Musk is a well-known serial entrepreneur, innovator, and engineer who has revolutionized the tech industry with his cutting-edge ideas. But he’s also a bit of a gearhead and has a collection of unique and exceptional automobiles that not many people know about. For instance, he owns a classic Ford Model T and a Porsche 911 Turbo, among other things.
So, what’s in Elon Musk’s garage? Well, it’s an eclectic mix of cars that range from vintage to modern. But the real surprise is that not all of them are electric. Does Elon Musk drive a Tesla? Well, let’s find out by taking a peek at his impressive car collection.
1978 BMW 320i
Elon Musk’s first car may not have been a luxury vehicle, but it was still a thing of beauty. In 1994, he bought a used BMW 3 Series, which was part of the first generation of the iconic car that made its debut in 1975 at Munich’s Olympic Stadium. He paid a mere $1,400 for it and decided to fix it up himself.
The BMW 3 Series was an instant hit in Europe thanks to its unique kidney grill and a powerful fuel-injected two-liter engine that could go from 0 to 60mph in a little over ten seconds and had a top speed of 112mph. However, it didn’t make its way to the United States until 1977.
Elon Musk cherished his BMW for a couple of years until one of his interns at Zip2 borrowed it to run some errands, and unfortunately, one of the wheels broke off. Nonetheless, it’s safe to say that the BMW 3 Series left a lasting impression on the future tech mogul and was an important part of his automotive journey. Speaking of which, did you know if Elon Musk still owns any BMWs? Well, that’s a question for another day.
1997 McLaren F1
After Elon Musk’s company was bought, he decided to treat himself. He was torn between buying a house in Palo Alto or a McLaren F1, but in the end, he went with the latter. He also purchased a modest condo that was significantly cheaper than the hypercar. The McLaren F1, with the number 067, was one of only seven that were brought to the US in 1997. This three-seater hypercar could reach speeds of up to 240mph (although Elon claims to have hit 215mph on a private runway), and he often used it as a corporate car to travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Despite putting 11,000 miles on it, Elon was so confident in his driving abilities that he didn’t bother buying insurance. However, this decision proved to be a mistake, as he ended up crashing the silver supercar while driving with PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel three years later. Fortunately, neither of them were hurt, but the car suffered significant damage. Elon eventually sold the car in 2007 for a profit. When asked why he sold it, he explained that he didn’t want people constantly writing about his gas-guzzling high-performance sports car.
The moral of this story is clear: everyone needs to buy auto insurance, no matter how skilled they are behind the wheel. While Elon Musk could afford to pay for the repairs, not everyone is in the same financial situation. So, the next time you’re debating whether to purchase insurance for your car, take a page from Elon’s book and make sure you’re covered, just in case. And while we’re on the topic of cars, it begs the question, does Elon Musk still own any hypercars? Who knows, maybe we’ll find out in the future.
1976 Lotus Esprit aka Wet Nellie
Elon Musk’s garage is home to many impressive vehicles, but one that stands out is the only operational prop from the James Bond movie, The Spy Who Loved Me. This iconic car is the same wondrous vehicle that turns into a submarine in the film. When it was put up for auction in 2013, Elon Musk couldn’t resist and ended up purchasing it for almost a million dollars, taking it out of the auctioneer’s hands.
Ever since watching James Bond push a button on the Esprit and transform it into an amphibious vehicle, Elon Musk has been fascinated with the car.
1920 Ford Model T
You might be surprised to know that Elon Musk’s car collection includes a classic like the Tin Lizzie, but it just goes to show his passion for the past. In fact, some might argue that it’s fitting for a man who’s set to revolutionize the way we travel on earth and in space to own a car that revolutionized personal mobility in its day.
The Ford Model T is undoubtedly a piece of automotive history. When Henry Ford introduced the Model T, it became the first mass-produced automobile for the general public and went on to become the most significant car of the twentieth century. It’s a testament to Elon Musk’s appreciation for the innovations that have shaped the world we live in today.
So, while Elon Musk is known for his futuristic vision and cutting-edge technology, his car collection also reflects his respect for the past and the historical milestones that have paved the way for the present. Does Elon Musk still take his classic cars for a spin? Who knows, but it’s clear that he values the rich history behind these vehicles.
1967 E-Type Jaguar Roadster
Elon Musk’s love affair with the Jaguar E-Type is something he shares with many other car enthusiasts, including the legendary Enzo Ferrari. He first laid eyes on the iconic British roadster when he was just 17, and it quickly became his dream car. Eventually, he was able to afford one, and he wasted no time in making it his own.
However, the dream turned into a bit of a nightmare when the car broke down on the way home from the showroom. It marked the beginning of Musk’s ongoing battle between man and machine. “That one was like a terrible girlfriend – it kept breaking down on me and creating all sorts of difficulties,” he once quipped about his Jaguar.
Despite the setbacks, Elon Musk’s passion for the Jaguar E-Type remains strong, and it’s a testament to the timeless design and engineering of this iconic car. Who knows, maybe he still takes it for a spin every now and then, but we can only imagine the feeling of cruising around in one of the most beautiful cars ever made. And speaking of beauty, did you know if Elon Musk owns any other classic sports cars? Well, that’s a question for another day.
2006 BMW M5
When BMW tuning specialist Hamman got their hands on an M5, they turned it into a thing of Bavarian magic. The M5 was already a fantastic car, but Hamman took it to the next level by increasing the output of the five-liter V10 engine to 603 horsepower and raising the peak speed from a limited 155mph to an astonishing 199mph. Not too shabby for a car that’s marketed as a “family” vehicle with four seats.
In fact, the M5 was so impressive that it may have inspired Elon Musk to create the “Ludicrous” driving mode for the Tesla Model S. This mode allows the electric car to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 2.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars ever made. It’s clear that Elon Musk has a love for speed and performance, and it’s exciting to see how he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive world.
So, whether you prefer the roar of a powerful gasoline engine or the silent speed of an electric motor, it’s clear that there’s something for everyone in the world of high-performance cars. And who knows, maybe Elon Musk will surprise us with another ludicrous mode in the future.
2010 Audi Q7
Back in 2010, Elon Musk was on the lookout for a large vehicle to accommodate his family, and one of the most luxurious SUVs on the market was the Audi Q7. However, Musk was not impressed with the car at all and went so far as to publicly call it “particularly horrendous.” But being the problem solver that he is, he also had a solution in mind.
When he was designing his own SUV, the Tesla Model X, Musk insisted that it have falcon-wing doors to make it easier for passengers to access the back seats, especially in tight parking situations. And it’s safe to say that his solution has paid off. Now, whenever Musk is out with his family, he doesn’t have any difficulties getting everyone in and out of the car.
It’s a testament to Elon Musk’s commitment to innovation and his willingness to challenge the status quo. By designing a car that meets his specific needs and preferences, he’s made life easier for himself and his family. Who knows what other solutions he’ll come up with in the future? But for now, it’s clear that the falcon-wing doors on the Model X have made a big difference for the tech mogul and his loved ones.
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo
It’s no surprise that Elon Musk, a man with a passion for cars and technology, was enchanted by one of the world’s most legendary sports cars, the Porsche 911. However, he wasn’t too keen on the massive gas-guzzling engine that came with it. Instead, he became intrigued with the concept of converting his 911 to electric power.
Musk had the idea of battery-powered cars in the back of his mind when he met engineer JB Straubel in 2003. Straubel had been working with Alan Cocconi, who had successfully created a prototype electric car, the T-Zero, and Musk was impressed. He then asked Straubel to install a lithium-ion battery pack in his 911 and convert it to an electric vehicle. Although Cocconi wasn’t convinced at first, he did introduce Musk to a small electric car startup named Tesla.
Musk was so impressed with Tesla that he spent $30 million to become involved, and the rest, as they say, is history! It’s incredible to think that Elon Musk’s fascination with electric cars led him to become one of the driving forces behind the electric vehicle revolution. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll see an electric Porsche 911 from Tesla. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time that Elon Musk has taken a legendary car and given it a high-tech twist.
2008 Tesla Roadster
Does Elon Musk drive a Tesla? Of course, Elon Musk has a Tesla Roadster, and it’s not even the only Tesla he owns. But this particular Roadster is no longer in his garage. It’s among the stars, way up in space. So how did it end up there? Well, it’s quite a story.
In 2008, Tesla launched their first electric vehicle, the Roadster (also known as project Dark Star). It was based on the chassis of a Lotus Elise, had a range of 227 miles, and could accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds. Elon Musk was the first lucky owner of a Roadster and used it as his daily driver for years before deciding to give it a fitting send-off.
Instead of selling it like most people would, Elon placed the Roadster aboard his SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, strapped a dummy named “Starman” in the passenger seat, played David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” on the stereo, and launched it into space on February 6, 2018. And just in case you’re curious, the Space Tesla has its own unofficial website that tracks its voyage through space: whereisroadster.com.
It’s a testament to Elon Musk’s sense of humor and his willingness to think outside the box. By launching his beloved Roadster into space, he created a unique and unforgettable moment that captured the world’s attention. It’s just one example of the many ways that Elon Musk has challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.
2019 Tesla Model S Performance
It’s no secret that Elon Musk’s go-to car is his Tesla Model S. It’s the comfiest and most accommodating vehicle in the Tesla lineup, and it’s the model on which Musk debuted the Ludicrous mode, a power boost that provides equipped Teslas with a turbocharger. His love for fast cars is evident in the Hamann-tuned BMW M5 that inspired this mode.
The 2019 Tesla Model S Performance is an incredibly fast and efficient turbocharged beast that can go from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.4 seconds, putting it on par with some of the fastest cars ever made. And like most Teslas, the Model S comes loaded with a wealth of technological capabilities, including semi-autonomous driving mode and a remote-control driving capability, as well as one of the biggest infotainment screens available in any car on the market.
While the standard Model 3 has a range of 270 miles, you can upgrade to the Long Range model, which extends the range to 335 miles. However, both versions were designed with acceleration in mind, and the Ludicrous mode can be unlocked for an additional $15,000.
It’s clear that Elon Musk’s passion for cars is matched only by his commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology. And with the Model S and Model 3, he’s once again proven that electric cars can be just as fast and exciting as their gas-guzzling counterparts.
2020 Tesla Cybertruck
It’s no surprise that one of the most controversial figures in the world would introduce one of the most controversial vehicles of the century: the Cybertruck. This futuristic electric pickup truck won’t be available until 2023, but it’s already making waves with its bold design and bulletproof glass. While Rivian’s electric truck is already on the market, the Cybertruck stands out with its RoboCop-like appearance.
The Cybertruck has room for six passengers, a range of up to 500 miles, and a body made of ultra-hard 30x cold-rolled stainless steel, along with armored glass. At its launch event, the armored glass was put to the test with a metal ball, which unfortunately shattered it much to Elon Musk’s disappointment. The Cybertruck is undoubtedly one of Tesla’s most daring and unconventional vehicles yet.
This all-wheel-drive vehicle can tow up to 14,000 pounds and comes in three different variants, each with a different number of engines. The single-motor Cybertruck can reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 110 mph, while the dual-motor Cybertruck can hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 120 mph. The ultimate performance three-motor variant can reach 60 mph in a mind-blowing 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph.
Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that the Cybertruck is a bold move by Tesla, and it’s sure to attract attention from both fans and critics alike. Only time will tell whether it will revolutionize the pickup truck industry or be remembered as a quirky footnote in automotive history.
Conclusion
Does Elon Musk drive a Tesla? While this may seem like a silly question at first, it’s a fair one given Musk’s impressive collection of automobiles. From classic Ford Model Ts to cutting-edge electric vehicles like the Cybertruck, Musk has a passion for cars that is matched only by his drive to innovate and push boundaries.
While he may have owned a variety of unique and extraordinary cars over the years, it’s clear that Tesla holds a special place in Musk’s heart. The Model S and Model 3 are both vehicles that he drives frequently, and he’s played a key role in developing some of their most innovative features, such as Ludicrous mode.
But perhaps the most iconic Tesla in Musk’s collection is the Roadster that he launched into space in 2018, complete with a dummy named Starman riding shotgun. It’s a testament to Musk’s quirky and creative approach to both cars and space travel, and it’s sure to be remembered as one of the most memorable moments in automotive history.
Whether you love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Elon Musk is a true iconoclast who has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. With Tesla leading the charge towards a more sustainable and innovative future, there’s no telling what Musk’s next move will be. But one thing is for sure: it’s sure to be exciting.
