2008 Tesla Roadster

Description

Named after genius inventor Nikola Tesla, Tesla Motors, Inc. helped pioneer automobile lithium-ion battery technology upon their founding in California in 2003. With a heavy focus on the ideal automotive battery, Tesla chose not to start from scratch for the chassis itself but rather turned to famous British carmaker Lotus, specifically for the brilliant bonded extruded aluminum chassis from the Elise sports car. Tesla would soon place an order for 2,500 completed cars minus the powertrain which were shipped to California for final assembly and distribution by Tesla. Launched with a price of nearly $100,000, the Tesla Roadster was among the first to provied customers the experience of maximum instant torque which meant that zero to 60 miles per hour happened around 3.9 seconds, nearly a second quicker than the Elise. After its debut at the San Francisco Auto Show in November 2006, the first 100 cars were sold in just three weeks. Now one of the world’s most well-known automakers, Tesla has undoubtedly established itself as a pioneer in Electric Vehicles and remains the best-selling EV automaker.

As a single-owner example displaying merely a few thousand miles at the time of cataloging, this example provides customers with an unprecedented opportunity to acquire the car that started it all for Tesla. With the incredible success of the brand, these models, particularly single-owner low-mileage examples such as this Roadster provide not only a totally unique driving experience but also what many anticipate to be incredible future investment potential as predicted in Hagerty’s 2022 Bull Market List.

Highlights

• Offered from single-family ownership with 5,453 miles at the time of cataloging

• Protected by paint protection film from new in many crucial areas along the front fascia

• The battery was replaced around 2015, current reading shows 85% battery life

• Finished in a vibrant Very Orange exterior over a premium leather Orange interior complete with carbon fiber trim

• Powered by a 248 horsepower electric motor

• Impressive 2,690-pound curb weight, about 700 pounds of which consists of the battery pack mounted as low as possible in the center of the vehicle for optimum weight distribution

• Professionally detailed prior to listing

• Accompanied by a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Features

• Single-speed transmission with gear selector only found on early cars

• 16-inch front and 17-inch rear aluminum alloy wheels

• JVC head unit with CD changer

• Heated seats

• Cruise control

• Carbon fiber roll bar

• Heated

• Remote keyless entry

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

• LED rear taillights

• Rear-wheel drive

• Body-colored removable roof panel

• Rack and pinion steering

• Independent front and rear suspension

• Ventilated front and rear disc brakes

Known Imperfections

• Hazing beginning to develop in areas around the headlight lenses

• Minor curb rash was noted on both rear wheels as shown in vehicle photos

Included

• Vehicle charger

• Soft-top

• Owner’s manual

• Tesla hat

Ownership History

This example was ordered new by the consignor in 2008 who has enjoyed this Tesla Roadster in Beverly Hills, California. Please note that while the clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows a change of ownership in 2012, the consignor reports that this occurred due to a transfer of ownership of the vehicle from corporate to personal use.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $575. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.