Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 5YJRE11B681000478
The Tesla Roadster, introduced in 2006, stands as a seminal vehicle
in the history of electric automobiles. As Tesla Motors' inaugural
production model, the Roadster played a crucial role in
establishing the company's reputation and laying the groundwork for
its future innovations. This particular example, with just under
6,000 miles at the time of cataloging, represents a rare
opportunity to acquire one of the pioneering models that helped
shape Tesla's ever-growing legacy.
Tesla smartly chose not to reinvent the wheel when it came to the
Roadster's chassis. Instead, the company turned to British carmaker
Lotus, utilizing the Elise's bonded extruded aluminum chassis. This
decision allowed Tesla to focus on its core strengths, namely
developing advanced electric powertrain technology. The Roadster
featured a 248 horsepower electric motor with the battery pack
mounted low in the center for optimal weight distribution. This
configuration contributed to the Roadster's impressive
acceleration, achieving zero to 60 mph in around 3.9 seconds-almost
a second quicker than the Elise. When launched at the San Francisco
Auto Show in November 2006, the first 100 cars selling out in just
three weeks, even with a cost of nearly $100,000.
This Tesla Roadster is particularly noteworthy due to its excellent
condition and low mileage. It has been carefully maintained and
protected by paint protection film in key areas since new. The
battery, replaced around 2015, currently shows 85 percent life and
the car has been professionally detailed and is accompanied by a
clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report.
With its historical significance, low mileage, and overall
condition, this Tesla Roadster offers not only a unique and fun
driving experience but also a fine example of Tesla's first
production electric vehicle.