Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), is famous for his wide range of interests be it space explorations or his exclusive car collection. His garage includes several Tesla models, such as the controversial Cybertruck, the Model Y used as a family car, and the Tesla Model S Performance. The Model S Performance is especially notable for its speed, going from 0 to 100 kmph in just 2.5 seconds, showing how Musk has helped change the way people view electric vehicles.
2008 Tesla Roadster
One of the most famous cars associated with Musk is his 2008 Tesla Roadster. This car became part of history not because of how it drives, but because of where it is. In 2018, during the first flight of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, Musk used his personal Roadster as the payload. The car, painted in “Midnight Cherry,” is now orbiting the sun with a mannequin named “Starman” in the driver’s seat. Before its launch into space, this Roadster was Musk’s daily car and a key proof point that lithium‑ion batteries could power a high-performance sports car.
Lotus Esprit ‘Wet Nellie’
Another standout in Musk’s collection is the Lotus Esprit “Wet Nellie” from the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. This car, known for turning into a submarine in the movie, was bought by Musk at auction in 2013 for nearly $1 million. The original prop could not actually function as a submarine, but Musk has talked about plans to retrofit it with an electric powertrain so it could truly transform. The design of the Lotus Esprit also played a part in inspiring the look of the Tesla Cybertruck.
McLaren F1
After selling his first company, Zip2, Musk bought a McLaren F1, the ultimate supercar of its time. The McLaren F1 was once the fastest production car in the world. Musk drove it often in Silicon Valley, but the car was damaged in an accident while he was driving with Peter Thiel. Although the car was wrecked, Musk still refers to the F1 as a symbol of uncompromising engineering — a quality he aimed to bring to Tesla vehicles like the Model S Plaid.
1967 Jaguar E‑Type Roadster
One of Musk’s oldest cars is a 1967 Jaguar E‑Type Roadster. Long before he built electric vehicles, Musk admired the E‑Type after seeing a photo of one as a teenager. When he earned an early bonus at Zip2, he bought one. The car was known for frequent mechanical problems, and Musk joked that it was like a “bad girlfriend” that kept breaking down but was hard to let go.
2012 Tesla Model S Performance
The 2012 Tesla Model S Performance holds a special place in his collection. This car marked a turning point for Tesla, moving the company from a maker of niche sports cars to a serious competitor with traditional luxury brands. The Model S helped establish Tesla as a major force in the auto industry.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the newest cars in his public collection. Its bold, angular design stands out from any other vehicle on the road. Musk is often seen driving the Cybertruck, using it as a way to showcase Tesla’s stainless‑steel exoskeleton and futuristic look.
1920 Ford Model T
Finally, Musk keeps a 1920 Ford Model T in his collection. This car, a gift from a friend, represents the beginning of mass-produced automobiles. It is a reminder of the first “people’s car,” something Musk has aimed for with models like the more affordable Tesla Model 3.
