( CNN ) Former male model Elo used to make a living from his good looks . But after modeling for 10 years the self-confessed car nut had earned enough money to indulge his passion . He started by buying several cars , as well as customizing them for clients across the world , and in 2001 he founded the London Motor Museum . Today is has nearly 250 automobiles . `` When I was modeling , the best part of my modeling career was ( that ) I was expressing what my client wanted me to do , '' he says . `` I still express what ( clients ) want me to express , but this time in a three-dimensional form with an engine and an exhaust and some wheels . And that is ultimate satisfaction . '' During his fashion model days , Elo owned seven cars and would drive a different one each day of the week . What started as a passion gradually demanded more and more of his time , and after a while Elo felt that he came to a crossroads . `` I had to weigh between continuing modeling or stopping modeling to just do cars . So I chose the latter , '' he says . `` My friends told me 'You 're absolutely crazy , look at all these beautiful women , look at all this traveling around the world . ' And I 'm like 'Are you out of your mind ? Look at that beautiful steel ! ' That 's the best . '' Today , the car-lover 's collection includes gems such as the 1937 Lincoln Zephyr , and a low-riding customized Cadillac which used to belong to Snoop Dogg -- the so-called `` Snoop de Ville '' . But what gives Elo the most satisfaction is something less material : the feeling of freedom . `` When I drive a car , I feel like I am leaving all my worries behind , and it 's just staying behind whilst I 'm going forward , '' he says .
Elo continues to be a successful male model . In 2001 he founded the vintage auto Museum which today has over 200 dealers . Elo also customizes cars for clients across the globe .