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Elon Musk is known for many things: being one of the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs, opening up space travel to the world, his risky tweeting habits, and making some truly awe-inspiring electric cars through his company Tesla.

The question has been posed about whether the Tesla CEO will accomplish what so many have dreamed of for years: ending big oil. While he may not have done it yet, he’s certainly putting a dent in the oil companies’ pockets.

That’s why so many people may be so surprised to learn that out of his 15 car collection that he personally drives, the billionaire has two gasoline-powered cars.

One is a Ford Model T and the other is a Jaguar Series 1 1967 E-type Roadster. Chances are, he won’t be giving up either car anytime soon. It may not jive with his well-known passion for building and driving electric cars, but his Ford Model T and Roadster have special meaning to him.

The fact that he doesn’t allow himself to be pushed into a box by giving up two cars he really loves just shows that Elon Musk is a man who isn’t afraid to do things his way.

Ford Model T

Elon Musk owns a Ford Model T which was given to him by a friend. It’s a fitting car for him, and he has a lot in common with the founder of Ford.

Henry Ford changed the world by creating the first automobile production line. It was a game-changer that opened up automobiles to the entire world, and his actions still affect how the auto world works today.

Elon Musk has done the same with electric cars. He pushes the auto world to readjust its thinking just as Henry Ford did, and Elon Musk isn’t apologetic about it.

Jaguar Series 1 1967 E-type Roadster

Elon Musk described why he bought the Jaguar Series 1 1967 E-type Roadster to a reporter for Forbes. He was inspired to buy this incredible little ride after seeing it in a book about classic convertibles when he was only 17 years old.

While his first car was a 1978 BMW 320i, Elon Musk bought the ’67 Roadster as soon as he had enough money. It wasn’t his most dependable car, as it broke down on him as soon as he left the dealer’s parking lot, and he described the Roadster as “a bad girlfriend.” 

Elon Musk’s personal views on gasoline engine cars

In spite of his apparent love for his own personal gasoline engine vehicles, Elon Musk has been rather brutal when it comes to his opinion about gas cars in general.

At a conference in 2017, Elon Musk joked about building a new gasoline-powered car he would name the Model T. When asked why he would do this when his name is firmly connected with electric cars, Elon Musk said, “Honestly, a lot of people don’t really seem to care if their cars are electric. So while this gas-powered vehicle might look like a step backwards, I take solace in knowing the profits will help me eventually transport people via pneumatic tube, whether they want it or not.”

Later that year, Elon Musk held a conference to discuss the new Tesla Roadster, a car that can go from zero to 60 in a shocking 1.9 seconds. Elon Musk reportedly stated, “The point of doing this is to give a hardcore smackdown to gasoline vehicles. Driving a gasoline sports car is going to feel like a steam engine with a side of quiche.”

While his words may sound harsh to some, Elon Musk did what many critics said he couldn’t, and he’s turning the auto world on its head. The fact that he continues to drive two cars that aren’t electric just shows that at the end of the day, he loves a good car.