- Like many, Jeffrey Epstein had a strong interest in cars.
- He looked into a Hyundai Equus limousine and a Century.
- Both plans ran into strict US vehicle safety standards.
There’s always something irresistibly compelling about the things you can’t have. That impulse seemed to extend even to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein’s taste in cars.
Buried in the countless e-mails released by the Justice Department are numerous conversations with Elon Musk as well as talk of importing a handful of vehicles not offered stateside. In late 2014 and early 2015, Epstein was interested in getting a Toyota Century.
More: Century Breaks Free To Become Toyota’s New Flagship Brand Above Lexus
As someone with connections, Epstein bypassed normal channels and had associates ask people at Toyota. However, he was rebuffed as officials explained that in order to deliver a Century in America, it would need to comply with US regulations. This would require an assortment of changes and wouldn’t be worth it to deliver just one vehicle.
That’s a no-brainer, but Epstein’s associate suggested finding a dealer who would ship a Century to America and then modify it to meet federal safety standards.
Before looking at the Century, Epstein was interested in getting a Hyundai Equus limousine. He asked an associate if the model was offered in New York or if one could be imported.
Epstein and his associates also discussed an assortment of other vehicles including the Chevrolet Express, Nissan NV, and Ford Transit. He also appeared interested in vehicles from Maybach and Rolls-Royce.
Fittingly, he was forwarded a crude joke about a joint-venture between Ford and Renault. This would see them combine the Clio and Taurus to get the Clitaurus, which “comes in pink and the average male car thief won’t be able to find.” The joke goes on, but you get the idea.
