What began as a humble pastime for neighborhood hot rod fans has transformed into a high-stakes arena. For elite collectors like Jay Leno, car collecting is an art form, with his legendary collection housing some of the rarest, most awe-inspiring vehicles ever created. His classic car collection spans decades, featuring everything from steam-powered relics to high-performance supercars.
With the resources to chase after the unique and the unusual, today’s top collectors—like Elon Musk—are redefining what it means to have a “dream classic car collection.” Elon’s eye for the extraordinary has led him to one-of-a-kind finds, including the iconic submarine car from a James Bond film and a rare McLaren F-1. His approach to car collecting goes beyond nostalgia, often focusing on innovation and the future of automotive design.
1. Car Collecting at Its Finest: Iconic Car Collections
Jay Leno has over 180 cars in his stable, as well as a large selection of motorcycles. Those cars encompass the entire history of automotive engineering that includes everything from steam-powered vehicles to iconic sports cars, displaying a mind-boggling expanse of engineering. Each car in his garage is meticulously maintained, and many are driven regularly.
Jerry owns the very first 911 owned by Ferry Porsche and the 917K Steve McQueen drove in Le Mans. His classic car collection became so extensive that he had to buy a multi-story building in New York City just to house his cars, solidifying his status as one of the most dedicated car collecting enthusiasts in the world.
2. Musk’s Unique Car Collecting Focus on Innovation
Elon’s collection of vehicles doesn’t follow the typical car-collector playbook. Rather than amassing rows of classic cars or a stable of high-performance gas-powered beasts, Elon’s collection reflects his vision for the future of transportation. His preference for electric, high-tech, and futuristic vehicles aligns perfectly with his goal to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
3. Comparison with Traditional Collectors
Traditional car collections are all about a sense of nostalgia while celebrating the golden age of automotive craftsmanship, where rare, classic, and luxury gas-powered vehicles take center stage. Elon’s collection, by contrast, prioritizes vehicles that symbolize progress, sustainability, and disruptive innovation.
4. Highlights of Musk’s Collection
- Tesla Roadster: The first vehicle ever produced by Tesla, this electric sports car demonstrated that EVs could be fast, powerful, and thrilling to drive. Elon’s original Roadster symbolizes the beginning of Tesla’s journey to become a global leader in EVs and represents the start of a new era in the auto industry.
- Cybertruck: With its controversial design and high-tech features, the Cybertruck is as much a conversation starter as it is a vehicle. Its futuristic look defies the norms of truck design, and its all-electric powertrain challenges the dominance of gas-powered trucks in a segment that has long been slow to embrace sustainability.
- Model S Plaid: This luxury sedan combines Tesla’s commitment to eco-friendly technology with unbelievable performance. With its record-breaking acceleration, the Model S Plaid proves that EVs can compete head-to-head with the fastest, most luxurious cars in the world.
5. The Future of Car Collecting
The collector car market is thriving, growing substantially as millions of vehicles age into "classic" status. According to Hagerty, the market includes around 43 million collector cars in the U.S., valued at $1 trillion. Younger generations—Gen-X, Millennials, and Gen-Z—are increasingly driving interest in collector cars, with Millennials leading recent growth. Key factors motivating enthusiasts are the enjoyment of driving, aesthetic appeal, and nostalgia.
As the younger generation starts car collecting, they may find themselves looking at Elon Musk’s unique approach for inspiration. Whether they decide to build a classic car collection for nostalgic purposes or focus on technological advancements remains to be seen. Car collecting is not dead; it’s just evolving with the times.
