Inside Elon Musk’s Secret Car Garage – You Won’t Believe What He Drives | HO

When you think of Elon Musk, the image that likely comes to mind is one of sleek electric cars, autonomous driving, and the cutting edge of sustainable transportation. After all, he’s the face of Tesla and a driving force behind the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.

But behind the scenes, Musk’s personal taste in cars goes far beyond electric motors and futuristic dashboards. His private garage holds a mix of rare classics, quirky collectibles, and jaw-dropping supercars—some powered by good old-fashioned gasoline.

Yes, the man reshaping the auto industry still holds a deep appreciation for the machines that came before Tesla. Some of the vehicles he owns reflect his journey, while others fulfill childhood dreams or serve as direct inspiration for Tesla innovations. Here’s a closer look inside Elon Musk’s secret car garage—and trust us, it’s full of surprises.

10. 1978 BMW 320i – Humble Beginnings

Before the private jets and rocket launches, Musk drove a modest 1978 BMW 320i. It was his first car, purchased for just $1,400 after he moved to California in the ’90s. It wasn’t fast or flashy—just a used German sedan. But to Musk, it represented freedom.

He even repaired it himself with parts from junkyards. In a twist of irony, the car lost a wheel while a friend was driving it, a story that still gets laughs from his college buddies. The car may be long gone, but it marked the beginning of a journey that would change the world of transportation.

9. 1997 McLaren F1 – Wild Speed

From humble to outrageous, Musk’s next ride made headlines. After selling his first company, Zip2, he bought a 1997 McLaren F1—widely regarded as one of the greatest supercars ever built. With only 106 units produced, the F1 could hit 240 mph and had no electronic aids—just raw power from a 6.1-liter V12 engine.

Musk famously drove it to meetings and even gave rides to colleagues. In 2000, he crashed it while giving PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel a ride. The kicker? It wasn’t insured. Despite the crash, the F1 remains one of Musk’s boldest and most iconic purchases.

8. 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo – Engineering Excellence

Though he champions EVs, Musk has a soft spot for exceptional engineering. His 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo is proof. Known for its perfect balance of performance and practicality, the 911 Turbo is a gas-powered masterpiece. Musk has said that Porsche’s design and precision played a role in inspiring Tesla’s early vehicles. It’s a nod to the past, showing that even an EV pioneer can admire traditional excellence.

7. Tesla Roadster (Original) – The Game Changer

This is the car that launched Tesla into the spotlight. Lightweight, fast, and fully electric, the original Tesla Roadster proved that EVs didn’t have to be boring. Musk didn’t just drive it—he launched one into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in 2018. That red Roadster is currently circling the sun with a mannequin named “Starman” at the wheel.

Back on Earth, Musk still owns one. It’s a symbol of Tesla’s origins and a reminder that innovation often starts with risk—and vision.

6. Ford Model T – A Tribute to History

In a garage filled with modern tech and luxury, the Ford Model T stands out. A gift from a friend, the iconic Model T represents the beginning of mass automobile production. Though it’s neither fast nor comfortable, Musk respects what it stands for: innovation that reshaped the world. It’s a quiet tribute to Henry Ford, the man who industrialized car manufacturing, much like Musk has done for EVs.

5. Jaguar E-Type Series 1 – A Teenage Dream

As a teenager in South Africa, Musk once saw a Jaguar E-Type in a magazine and decided that if he ever made it big, he’d own one. Years later, that dream became reality. Known for its breathtaking design, the E-Type is often called the most beautiful car ever made.

Unfortunately, beauty doesn’t always mean reliability. Musk has admitted the car broke down constantly, but he kept it anyway. For him, it wasn’t about practicality—it was about fulfilling a youthful dream.

4. Audi Q7 – An Unlikely Inspiration

This might be the most unexpected car on the list. Musk drove an Audi Q7 SUV for a time, mainly for its space and comfort—important when you have five kids. But more than that, the Q7’s clunky third-row access directly inspired the Tesla Model X’s signature falcon-wing doors. Frustrated with the Q7’s poor design, Musk set out to do better. The result? One of Tesla’s most distinct and recognizable models.

3. Lotus Esprit “Wet Nellie” – The Submarine Car

Straight out of a James Bond movie—literally. Musk bought the actual Lotus Esprit submarine car used in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) for $997,000 at auction. Known as “Wet Nellie,” the car may not actually transform into a sub (much to Musk’s disappointment), but he’s hinted at making a real one using Tesla and SpaceX tech.

It’s part fantasy, part challenge, and 100% Elon. Wet Nellie now sits proudly in his collection as a reminder that science fiction can become science fact.

2. Tesla Cybertruck Prototype – Rolling Hype Machine

While the public eagerly awaits deliveries, Musk has already been seen driving a pre-production Tesla Cybertruck around California and Texas. With its futuristic, angular design, it’s hard to miss. He’s taken it through drive-thrus, job sites, and press events. Some say it’s just marketing. Others say he genuinely enjoys it. Either way, the Cybertruck embodies Musk’s taste for bold, polarizing design and disruptive innovation.

1. Tesla Model S Plaid – Daily Driver of the Future

Musk’s favorite daily driver? The Tesla Model S Plaid. With a 0–60 mph time under two seconds, it’s the fastest production sedan in the world. It boasts over 1,000 horsepower, seats five comfortably, and features a minimalist interior loaded with tech. Musk has called it “the best car ever made”—high praise from the man who made it.

Unlike his rarer or more eccentric rides, the Plaid is one he uses often, driving it to work, events, and even joy rides. It’s fast, smooth, and silent. In many ways, it represents the very best of what Musk has been trying to achieve with Tesla.

Conclusion: A Garage That Tells a Story

Elon Musk’s private car collection isn’t just a showcase of wealth—it’s a roadmap of his life. From a beat-up BMW to space-bound Roadsters, from vintage legends to future-forward beasts, every vehicle tells part of the story. Some are nostalgic. Others are inspirational. A few are just plain weird. But that’s what makes his garage so fascinating.

In a world obsessed with what’s next, Musk’s car collection reminds us that innovation often begins with a dream—and sometimes, with a very loud engine.