Description
- The historically important first step in high-performance EVs
- Just 33, 463 miles and 2 owners
- Benefited from replacement PEM with Tesla in 2020 and well-maintained since
In production from 2008 to 2012 with around 2, 500 units completed and sold, the Tesla Roadster was the very first road-legal sports car to make use of lithium-ion battery cells and the first production all-electric car to travel more than 200 miles per charge. Initial development was based around a Lotus Elise and they incorporated their electric technologies into a rolling chassis built from the Lotus production line. This innovative car was featured on the cover of Time magazine in December of 2006 as the recipient of the magazine's 'Best Inventions 2006 - Transportation Invention award'.
Boasting performance figures of 0-62 in just 3. 9 seconds, excellent range and a charge time from empty at around four hours, this groundbreaking sports car would be extremely well received by the motoring press and signifies a point in time where the automotive industry really started shifting its focus from fossil fuel to electric technologies.
In July 2010, Tesla introduced the updated Roadster 2. 5. New features included a revised front fascia with diffusing vents, a new rear diffuser reflecting the future of Tesla design, forged wheels available in both silver and black, seats with improved comfort and an optional 7’’ touchscreen display with back up camera.
Limited to 250 units, the Signature 250 was a special edition that featured all factory installed optional extras as standard. Specification included a carbon fibre removable hardtop, exclusive ‘Signature’ badging, an individually numbered edition plaque, edition specific wheels, heated seats, premium seven-speaker audio system with subwoofer, Apple car play and more.
A decade later, the original Roadster is now regarded as a genuine ‘classic electric car’ and ahead of Tesla launching their highly anticipated second generation Roadster, values and interest in these original versions have continued to rise and show no signs of slowing.
Manufactured on 01 January 2010 at Hethel, #172 is finished in an attractive Metallic Blue with contrasting Black leather interior. With just 33, 463 miles on the odometer and 1 former keeper on the V5C document, this particular example was acquired by the current owner, an ex-Tesla employee, from a good customer of his and thus has been enthusiast owned throughout its life.
Always plugged in and charged at 10amp on its original 3-pin plug charger, as well as being dry stored the entirety of its life, the car benefited from a replacement PEM with Tesla in 2020 and with the next service due in just under 7, 000 miles is ready for its next owner to enjoy.
Complete with Tesla wallet, two keys and charger, this presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-specified, well looked after example of this appreciating classic.
