Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and a leader in the electric vehicle revolution, has once again made headlines—but this time for a confession that caught many off guard. In a surprising tweet, Musk revealed that, despite his undeniable influence in the electric vehicle space, he actually owns two petrol-powered cars. And not just any cars—these are iconic, historical vehicles: a 1967 Jaguar E-Type and a Ford Model T.
The admission came after Musk took a playful jab at Jaguar, the British carmaker that recently unveiled a bold new logo and a bright, colorful website to signal its transition toward electric vehicles. The rebranding is sleek, modern, and undeniably trendy, but it left Musk unimpressed. In his classic tongue-in-cheek style, he responded to Jaguar’s promotional video with a cheeky question: “Do you sell cars?” This witty remark seemed to poke fun at the shift Jaguar is making from a luxury car manufacturer to a company rebranding itself as a more youthful, electric-forward brand.
But Musk’s commentary on Jaguar's rebrand isn’t just about trolling the car company—it’s about making a larger point. The brand's new logo and website evoke a sense of modernity and youthful energy, almost as if Jaguar is trying to position itself as a fashion brand rather than a carmaker. The new logo’s minimalistic, modern design and the bright, energetic colors of their website give off the vibe of a trendy startup, which feels like a departure from Jaguar's long-standing image of sophisticated, luxury automobiles. It's a stark contrast to the rich, classic designs that defined Jaguar in its prime. Musk’s remark, “Do you sell cars?” could be interpreted as a critique of Jaguar’s attempt to shake off its traditional luxury appeal for a more casual, fashion-forward identity.
However, Musk’s comments go beyond just making fun of the rebranding. In a follow-up tweet, he revealed that despite being the driving force behind one of the most successful electric car companies in the world, he owns two petrol cars—and not just any petrol cars, but two of the most legendary models in automotive history. Musk’s two petrol-powered vehicles are not your everyday gas guzzlers; they are symbols of automotive excellence: a 1967 Jaguar E-Type and a Ford Model T.
Let’s start with the Jaguar E-Type, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The 1967 model, which Musk owns, is a true classic. Enzo Ferrari, one of the most legendary figures in the automotive world, famously described the E-Type as “the most beautiful car ever made.” And it’s easy to see why—its long, sleek body, curvaceous design, and elegant lines have made it a symbol of 1960s automotive styling. But the beauty of the E-Type isn’t just skin deep. Underneath its stunning exterior is a powerful 4.2-liter inline-six engine that delivers 265 horsepower. In its heyday, this car could hit speeds of 150 mph—an impressive feat for the 1960s. For Musk, the E-Type isn’t just a beautiful machine; it holds personal significance. Musk has spoken in the past about how the Jaguar E-Type was his dream car as a young man, and his first E-Type was far from perfect. It constantly broke down, but Musk still kept it, reinforcing the emotional bond he has with the car. The E-Type represents the peak of Jaguar’s innovation and design, and Musk’s decision to keep it in his collection is a testament to his appreciation for automotive history.
The second petrol car in Musk’s collection is equally noteworthy: the Ford Model T. While it’s a far cry from the speed and elegance of the Jaguar E-Type, the Model T holds a unique place in the history of the automobile. Introduced in 1908, the Ford Model T was the first car to be mass-produced using assembly line techniques, making it affordable and accessible to the average person. In doing so, it revolutionized the automotive industry and paved the way for the mass production of cars that followed. Musk’s Model T, despite being over a century old, is still functional. It’s powered by a modest 20-horsepower engine and has a top speed of 45 mph—nothing compared to the E-Type's performance, but in its time, it was a technological marvel. The Model T is a symbol of the democratization of the automobile, making cars available to the masses rather than just the elite. For Musk, owning a Ford Model T may represent a deep appreciation for the origins of the automotive industry and the pivotal role that mass production played in shaping the world we live in today.
So why is Musk bringing up his petrol cars now, and why are they significant? There are a few possible reasons, but one thing is clear: Musk is making a statement. His ownership of these two legendary petrol cars—the Jaguar E-Type and the Ford Model T—could be seen as a commentary on the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry. With Jaguar's shift toward electric vehicles, Musk might be using these cars to remind people of what made Jaguar great in the first place: stunning, innovative vehicles that were once the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering. The E-Type is a reminder of a time when Jaguar was at the forefront of creating beautiful, fast, and groundbreaking cars. Musk’s subtle message could be: “Yes, EVs are the future, but don’t forget the legacy of petrol-powered cars that brought us here.”
Musk's comments might also be a challenge to Jaguar’s rebranding effort. While the world is moving toward electric vehicles, and Tesla has become a dominant player in space, Musk seems to be suggesting that Jaguar should stay true to what made them iconic in the first place. The E-Type wasn’t just a fast car—it was a work of art, and it’s that blend of beauty and performance that made Jaguar stand out. While EVs are indeed the future, the E-Type proves that there’s something timeless about a well-crafted petrol car that should not be forgotten, even as we move forward into the world of electric vehicles.
In a sense, Musk’s message could be about balance: embracing the future of electric cars while still honoring the past and the innovations that led to where we are today. His ownership of these two petrol-powered classics, one embodying the height of British automotive luxury and the other marking a groundbreaking moment in the history of mass transportation, serves as a reminder that progress doesn’t erase history—it builds upon it.
Musk’s comments also underscore the idea that the future of cars—whether electric or petrol-powered—shouldn’t just be about functionality or technology. It’s about design, legacy, and the emotional connection people have with their vehicles. While Tesla has revolutionized the electric car market, Musk’s appreciation for these classic petrol-powered cars shows that he understands the broader context of automotive history, and that the future of motoring can coexist with a respect for the past.
