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Steve Jobs, the genius behind Apple, had a curious habit: every six months, he would buy the same car, a Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. The reason? To avoid a simple license plate.
When we think of Steve Jobs, the image that comes to mind is that of the guy who revolutionized technology with the iPhone, iPad, and so many other gadgets that are now a part of our lives. But what few people know is that, besides his famous black turtlenecks and vegan diet, Jobs had a habit that would intrigue anyone: he would buy the same car every six months. And it wasn’t just any car; it was a Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, a luxury model that, at the time, cost around 120 thousand dollars.
Why Did Steve Jobs Change Cars Every Six Months?
Now you might think: “But why would anyone do that?” Well, Steve Jobs didn’t do this just for fun or to waste money. The reason behind this behavior was, in fact, much more strategic. At that time, in California, there was a loophole in the law that allowed new cars to be driven for up to six months without needing a license plate. And since Jobs was an extremely private person, he saw this as a perfect opportunity to keep his privacy intact.
He didn’t want his name to appear on official documents, like the car registration. So, what did he do? Simple: as soon as the six-month period was approaching its end and he would be required to put a plate on the car, he would sell the vehicle and buy another Mercedes-Benz SL-Class brand new. And this way, he could continue driving around without a plate, without anyone knowing that the car belonged to Steve Jobs.
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How Did Jobs Change Cars So Easily?
And don’t think that Jobs did this on a whim, no. He was meticulous in everything he did, and this constant car swapping was no exception. To facilitate the process, Jobs made an arrangement with a Mercedes-Benz dealership in California. This ensured that every six months, he would have a new car exactly as he wanted, without any hassle.
This behavior reflects Steve Jobs’ lifestyle well: everything had to be simple, practical, and under his control. He liked to have his life organized in a way that minimized complications. And for him, avoiding a license plate on his car was just another detail that was part of this life plan.
The Cost of This Eccentric Habit
Of course, changing cars every six months was not something affordable for everyone. Jobs was in a privileged position where this kind of extravagance was possible. And, although it may seem like an unnecessary expense to us, for him, it was worth every penny. It was a way to maintain his lifestyle in the way he believed was best.
Ultimately, this story shows how Steve Jobs thought outside the box, even in the most trivial matters like driving a car. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class he loved became more than just a means of transportation; it was part of a system he created to live life the way he considered ideal, always with one eye on the details and the other on simplicity.
So, next time you hear about Steve Jobs, remember: he wasn’t just the guy who revolutionized technology, but also someone who took his privacy very seriously, to the point of changing cars every six months just to avoid a simple license plate.
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