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.