When you’re the richest man on earth, what do you buy? For Elon Musk, the answer is as unpredictable and headline-grabbing as the man himself. From launching his own car into space to snapping up Hollywood mansions and acquiring James Bond’s legendary submarine car, Musk’s collection of ultra-expensive possessions is as eccentric as it is extravagant. But behind the glitz and jaw-dropping price tags, many of these purchases have sparked heated debates about wealth, priorities, and the future of technology.

Let’s dive into the five most expensive things owned by Elon Musk, exploring not only their eye-watering costs but also the controversies and wild stories that come with them.

1. Gulfstream G700 Private Jet – The Ultimate Billionaire Flex ($78 Million+)

When it comes to personal luxury, few purchases scream “I’ve made it” louder than a custom-built private jet. In 2023, Elon Musk upgraded to the Gulfstream G700, one of the most advanced and expensive private jets ever built. With a price tag exceeding $78 million, the G700 is a flying palace, featuring bespoke interiors, multiple living areas, and even a master suite with a shower.

Why It’s Controversial:
Musk’s jet isn’t just a symbol of personal success—it’s also a lightning rod for criticism. In an era of climate change and heightened scrutiny of carbon footprints, Musk’s frequent private jet use has been called out as hypocritical by critics, especially since he also champions sustainable technology through Tesla. Social media exploded after flight-tracking accounts revealed Musk’s jet made frequent short-haul flights, sometimes as short as a few minutes. Musk’s response? He called the tracking “a security issue” and even offered a teenager $5,000 to take down a Twitter account that tracked his jet’s movements—an offer that was famously rejected.

The Takeaway:
For Musk, the jet is a tool for hyper-productivity and global reach. For his critics, it’s a symbol of billionaire excess in a warming world.

2. The Bel Air Real Estate Empire – Over $100 Million (Now Sold Off)

At his real estate peak, Musk owned six lavish mansions in the exclusive Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, with a total value exceeding $100 million. These included a $24.25 million French-style estate, a $17 million “party house,” and the former home of Gene Wilder, which Musk bought “to preserve its spirit.” Each mansion was a statement in itself, featuring everything from private theaters to wine cellars and pools with panoramic city views.

Why It’s Controversial:
In 2020, Musk stunned the world by tweeting, “I am selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house.” True to his word, he sold off his entire real estate portfolio, citing a desire to focus on Mars and “freedom from things.” Some praised the move as a bold rejection of materialism; others saw it as a publicity stunt or a tax strategy. The sales also reignited debates about California’s housing crisis and whether billionaires buying up prime real estate drives up prices for everyone else.

The Takeaway:
Musk’s real estate saga is a masterclass in how the ultra-rich can both shape and disrupt local markets—while still making headlines at every turn.

3. Tesla Roadster in Space – Priceless, but Estimated at $250,000+

In perhaps the most iconic publicity stunt of the 21st century, Musk launched his personal cherry-red Tesla Roadster into space aboard the maiden flight of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket in 2018. The car, “driven” by a mannequin named Starman, now orbits the sun, playing David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” on loop (at least until the battery dies).

Why It’s Controversial:
While millions cheered the spectacle, others criticized it as a wasteful display of wealth and resources. Environmentalists questioned the carbon footprint of launching a car into space for no scientific purpose. Some astronomers even worried about the long-term risk of space debris. Defenders argued the stunt inspired a new generation to dream big and proved the power of private spaceflight.

The Takeaway:
Whether you see it as inspiring or indulgent, Musk’s spacefaring Roadster is a symbol of his audacious vision—and his willingness to turn even a sports car into a viral moment.

4. James Bond’s Lotus Esprit Submarine Car – $997,000

In 2013, Musk paid nearly $1 million at auction for the Lotus Esprit submarine car from the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.” Musk reportedly bought the car on a whim, inspired by childhood memories. He’s since hinted at plans to convert it into a real, working submarine using Tesla technology.

Why It’s Controversial:
Critics see the purchase as a frivolous indulgence, especially given Musk’s public persona as a serious innovator. Others argue it’s simply the kind of eccentric, big-ticket item that only a billionaire could buy. Musk’s own comments—about being disappointed the car didn’t actually transform—sparked a flurry of memes and jokes about billionaires living out their childhood fantasies.

The Takeaway:
For Musk, the Esprit is more than a collector’s item—it’s a symbol of making sci-fi dreams real. For skeptics, it’s a reminder that the line between genius and eccentricity is often razor-thin.

5. SpaceX Starbase and Rockets – Billions and Counting

While not a “thing” in the traditional sense, SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, is perhaps Musk’s most expensive—and ambitious—possession. The sprawling complex is ground zero for the development of the Starship rocket, designed to take humans to Mars. The investment? Billions of dollars and counting, with each Starship launch costing tens of millions.

Why It’s Controversial:
Starbase has transformed the sleepy Texas coast into a hub of space innovation, but not without backlash. Locals have complained about noise, road closures, and environmental impacts. Lawsuits and protests have erupted over the facility’s expansion and its effect on wildlife. Meanwhile, critics question whether Musk’s Mars obsession is a distraction from more urgent problems on Earth.

The Takeaway:
Starbase is both a symbol of Musk’s grand ambitions and a flashpoint for debates about the role of private industry in space—and the real-world consequences of billionaire dreams.

## Why Musk’s Purchases Spark Outrage and Awe

Elon Musk’s spending habits are more than just tabloid fodder—they’re a mirror reflecting society’s conflicted attitudes about wealth, innovation, and responsibility. For every fan who sees Musk as a trailblazer, there’s a critic who sees him as the poster child for billionaire excess.

The Controversy:
– Climate vs. Convenience: Musk’s private jet and space launches clash with his green tech advocacy.
– Materialism vs. Minimalism: His real estate flip-flop raises questions about authenticity.
– Showmanship vs. Substance: The Tesla Roadster stunt and Bond car blur the line between meaningful innovation and showy spectacle.
– Progress vs. Disruption: Starbase’s impact on local communities and the environment is a microcosm of the broader debate over tech’s role in society.

The Bottom Line:
Love him or loathe him, Elon Musk’s most expensive possessions—and the controversies they ignite—offer a revealing glimpse into the mind of a man who’s never content with the ordinary. In Musk’s world, every purchase is a statement, every controversy a challenge, and every dollar spent a step toward a future that only he can imagine.