Elon Musk and the Legacy of Old BMWs: A Curious Pairing
While Elon Musk is synonymous with cutting-edge electric vehicles, his subtle nods to classic automobiles—like the old BMW—reveal a deeper appreciation for engineering legacy and timeless design.
Elon Musk’s Unexpected Affinity for Old BMWs
Though unconfirmed, anecdotal evidence suggests Musk has ownership or admiration for vintage BMW models, drawn to their precision craftsmanship and the spirit of innovation that parallels his own automotive ventures. This quiet reverence bridges generations of engineering excellence.
The Engineering Excellence Behind BMW’s Classic Models
Iconic BMWs from the 70s and 80s, such as the E30 M3 and E32 7 Series, redefined performance and luxury. Their hand-built engines and balanced handling reflect the same relentless pursuit of perfection that defines Musk’s approach to modern EVs—proving that innovation thrives on tradition.
Why Collectors Like Elon Musk Value Vintage BMWs
For visionaries, old BMWs symbolize a bygone era of analog mastery and mechanical purity. Owning or appreciating these cars isn’t nostalgia—it’s a recognition of foundational automotive principles that continue to inspire breakthroughs in electric mobility.
Elon Musk’s quiet connection to old BMWs underscores a timeless truth: true innovation respects the past while forging the future. For automotive enthusiasts and forward-thinkers alike, the legacy lives on—in every pedal, wire, and design line.
From a 1978 BMW 320i to a founder obsessed with engineering Elon Musk's first car was not a futuristic prototype or a luxury supercar, but a used 1978 BMW 320i that he bought after arriving in. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is the richest man in the world with a net worth of over $200 billion, surpassing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos who now has a net worth of $137 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. However, Musk's path to riches was not all smooth sailing.
In fact, it was far from it. Elon Musk made a large part of his fortune by building electric vehicles, making him a confirmed "car guy." Before Tesla, though, the CEO owned this old auto. In 1995, Elon Musk, then a young entrepreneur, bought a 1978 BMW 320i for $1,400.
When a window broke, he couldn't afford professional repairs, so he sourced a replacement glass from a junkyard. In 1994, Musk purchased his first car, a 1978 BMW 320i that cost him $1,400. He fixed it up to be a pretty nice-looking vehicle, which he drove for two years.
One day, a Zip2 intern was driving it when a wheel fell off the car. At that point, Musk junked it. When he got his initial Zip2 bonus of $40,000, he went car shopping.
When it comes to Musk's cars, some got destroyed, while others inspired certain design elements in the cars Tesla makes today. To fix his first car - an old 1978 BMW 320i that he purchased in 1993 - Elon Musk bought replacement glass for $20 from a junkyard. Elon Musk's cars that are not Teslas 1.
1978 BMW 320i A BMW E21 3 Series (Unsplash) This was Elon Musk's first car, which he purchased used in 1994. Elon Musk - BMW 320i (E21) Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk bought his first car, a BMW 320i when he was 23 years old. On Tuesday, his mother, Maye Musk, shared a photo of a 23.