Why Steve Jobs Swapped Porsches Every Six Months—Here's The Truth Behind His License Plate Trick
Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, was renowned for his love of innovation, sleek design, and, interestingly, luxury cars. While he never claimed to be a car aficionado, Jobs had a penchant for the Porsche 911, a vehicle synonymous with performance and prestige.
Stories have circulated for years about why Jobs changed his Porsches so frequently. Was it because of scratches or his obsessive pursuit of perfection? The real reason, however, is more unconventional and reveals just how far Jobs would go to maintain his unique style.
The Porsche 911, particularly the 964 generation, was a masterpiece in the world of sports cars, celebrated for its powerful engine, distinctive styling, and status as an automotive icon.
For Steve Jobs, this vehicle was more than just a means of transportation—it was an extension of his minimalist philosophy and preference for clean, uninterrupted design.
Jobs’ habit of swapping out his cars every six months wasn’t about showing off his wealth or indulging in luxury whims. Instead, it was a calculated move to bypass California’s license plate laws. At the time, state regulations permitted new car owners to drive without a plate for up to six months before one was required.
Jobs, who famously disliked the look of license plates cluttering his car’s design, found a loophole he could exploit.
By leasing a new black Porsche 911 every 180 days, he could maintain his preferred aesthetic without the legal requirement of attaching a plate. This approach underscored his dedication to detail and revealed an unconventional aspect of his character—a man willing to work around even the smallest design imperfections to align with his vision.
PorscheJobs' Love for the Porsche 911
Jobs' choice of the Porsche 911 was no accident. Known for its precision engineering and status as one of the most respected sports cars in the world, the 911 reflected Jobs' own values of quality and performance.
PorscheThough Jobs wasn’t one to flaunt his automotive knowledge, he appreciated the 911’s legacy and style, aligning perfectly with his own minimalist aesthetic.
PorscheThe License Plate Loophole
While many assumed Jobs swapped cars to avoid scratches, the truth was more strategic. California’s laws allowed a grace period of six months before a license plate became mandatory. Jobs capitalized on this by leasing a new car just before the deadline.
PorscheJon Callas, an Apple engineer, confirmed this in a 2011 interview, noting that Jobs disliked the look of license plates.
PorscheRumors even spread that he made deals with the DMV for a barcode alternative, though this was never substantiated.
PorscheHis Daughter's Perspective
Lisa Brennan-Jobs, in her memoir “Small Fry,” recounted her father’s consistent car swapping and his reluctance to share his vehicles. When Lisa once asked if she could have his old Porsche, Jobs bluntly replied, “Absolutely not. You’re not getting anything."
Ironically, Jobs gifted a Porsche to Craig Elliot, a salesman who topped Macintosh sales.
PorscheThe Shift to Mercedes-Benz
Jobs didn’t stop with Porsches. Later, he turned to the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, applying the same six-month leasing strategy.
Porsche
His passion for sports cars extended to models like the BMW Z8, which later sold for $329,500 at auction in 2017.
Porsche
Steve Jobs’s approach to cars was as unique as his approach to technology. His story serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to design—even in the most unexpected places.
What do you think about Jobs’s car-swapping habit? Share your thoughts and pass this story along to your fellow car and tech enthusiasts!
