The Tesla roadster was based on the aluminum tub from the contemporary Lotus Elise, and shared the Elise’s windshield and windshield frame. The remainder of the carbon-fiber body panels were unique to the Tesla, and it utilized a 2″ longer wheelbase than the Elise. This example is finished in Radiant Red and features a black removable roof panel as well as the optional color-matched carbon-fiber removable hardtop. The Carfax report notes damage to the left-rear and left side…
The Tesla roadster was based on the aluminum tub from the contemporary Lotus Elise, and shared the Elise’s windshield and windshield frame. The remainder of the carbon-fiber body panels were unique to the Tesla, and it utilized a 2″ longer wheelbase than the Elise. This example is finished in Radiant Red and features a black removable roof panel as well as the optional color-matched carbon-fiber removable hardtop. The Carfax report notes damage to the left-rear and left side resulting from a sideswipe accident in September 2020. Close-up photos of the bodywork are provided in the gallery below.
Staggered-diameter forged wheels measure 16″ up front and 17″ out back, and are wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova tires measuring 175/55 and 225/45, respectively. Braking is handled by four-wheel discs along with a regenerative braking system.
The cabin features heated sport seats upholstered in beige leather, two-tone door panels, a black dashboard, a carbon-fiber center console, and black carpets protected by Tesla-logo floor mats. Amenities include air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and an aftermarket JVC stereo with a remote control.
A plaque between the headrests identifies this example as #38 of the first 100 Tesla Roadster models produced.
Factory instrumentation consists of a 15k-rpm tachometer, a 150-mph speedometer, and a configurable LCD screen to the left of the steering column that can display system status, the ambient temperature, a compass, battery range, and more. The digital odometer indicates under 24k miles.
The 53 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powers a four-pole AC-induction motor that was factory rated at 185 kilowatts, or 248 horsepower. The seller reports that battery cooling system maintenance was performed in November 2020.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Borg-Warner single-speed transmission with an 8.27:1 gear ratio.
Paint and leather samples, factory literature, and commemorative crystal plaques are also included in the sale along with a scale model.
The window sticker lists factory options and equipment, and shows a total cost of $100,950 when new.