In the world of tech billionaires, Elon Musk is no stranger to taking risks. From launching rockets into space to revolutionizing the electric car industry, Musk is known for pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. However, one incident involving a super rare McLaren F1 showcased his fearless approach to risk-taking in a rather unfortunate way.
The story dates back to the late 1990s, shortly after Musk had sold his startup Zip2 for over $300 million. With a newfound wealth, Musk decided it was time to indulge in the finer things in life, and what could be finer than owning a McLaren F1? At the time, the McLaren F1 was one of the fastest and most exclusive cars in the world, with only 106 ever made. While its price tag hovered around $1 million, it was a drop in the bucket for Musk.
In an interview with Sarah Lacy at PandoDaily, Musk shared the details of his McLaren F1 adventure. He explained that he put 11,000 miles on the car and even used it as his daily vehicle, despite admitting that it was a “crazy car to have as a daily drive.” However, despite driving it often, Musk confessed that he didn’t really know how to drive the McLaren properly. Its incredible power delivery of 640 brake horsepower combined with its lightweight build of just a ton made for tremendous performance.
The incident occurred in 2000 while Musk was driving on Sand Hill Road with PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel to a meeting. In a moment of bravado, Musk decided to demonstrate the car’s capabilities to Thiel. He exclaimed, “Watch this,” just moments before the McLaren spun out of control, flew “like a discus” three feet into the air, and crashed. The worst part? The car wasn’t insured.
Musk vividly described the surreal moment before impact, saying, “I remember seeing the cars coming towards me while I was going backwards.” The car hit a hidden embankment on Sand Hill Road at a 45-degree angle, launching it into the air before slamming back down onto the ground. The aftermath was a spectacle of destruction, with the suspension blown out, massive body damage, and shredded glass and wheels.
The aftermath of the crash saw Musk and Thiel hitchhiking to their meeting, serving as a humbling reminder that even the most successful entrepreneurs are not immune to missteps. The McLaren F1 was eventually repaired and sold to a new owner in California. When asked if there was a parallel between the crash and how he builds companies, Musk responded with a touch of humor, saying, “I hope not. That could be awkward with a rocket launch.”
Despite the mishap, Musk’s McLaren F1 adventure is more than just a cautionary tale about the perils of showing off. It represents a period in Musk’s life when everything seemed possible, and risks, no matter how ill-advised, were just part of the journey. The silver F1 remains a benchmark for performance at Tesla Inc., with Musk noting that the Model S P85D matched the McLaren’s 0-to-60 mph acceleration time, and later the P100D beat it.
Elon Musk’s daring move in crashing a super rare McLaren F1 may have ended with a bit more than just a thrill, but it serves as a reminder of his unyielding pursuit of pushing boundaries, both in technology and in life. Despite the setbacks, Musk’s resilience and determination continue to inspire and pave the way for innovation in the tech industry.
