Enthusiasts and collectors alike are gearing up for a landmark auction featuring a rare Tesla Roadster prototype, poised to make waves in automotive history. Listed on Cars & Bids, this 2011 model, originally intended as a Performance Package development mule, boasts an intriguing backstory that adds to its allure.
This particular Roadster, identified by VIN #1124, underwent a transformation from a standard Tesla Roadster 2.5 Sport to an experimental performance variant that never made it to public release. Acquired by Tesla in 2012 after sustaining damage in an accident, the car holds additional significance for having been owned by former Tesla VP of Service, Joost de Vries, before transitioning to its current custodianship under Jamison Cummings and Carl Medlock.
Jamison Cummings, a former Tesla Chief Technician, and Carl Medlock, now managing a third-party Roadster repair facility in Seattle, have meticulously restored the vehicle, equipping it with a new battery that boasts minimal mileage since replacement.
The prototype's history and exclusivity are further underscored by its ties to Tesla's development efforts, particularly its intended role as a potential consumer upgrade costing approximately $30,000. Despite being a unique specimen linked closely to Tesla's heritage, this Roadster prototype remained out of public circulation, making it a gem for collectors keen on owning a piece of automotive innovation.
As of the latest update, the auction has garnered significant attention, with bids already surpassing $95,000 and interest continuing to surge ahead of the closing date. With over 17,000 views on the auction listing and a flurry of comments from enthusiasts and prospective buyers, the auction promises to culminate in an exciting finale.
The Tesla Roadster holds a pivotal place in the company's chronicles, marking Tesla's pioneering venture into electric vehicles between 2008 and 2012. Produced in limited numbers, with approximately 2,500 units manufactured, each Roadster symbolizes Tesla's early strides towards revolutionizing the automotive industry.
Notably, not all Roadsters survived over the years, with some lost in incidents like the dealership fire. This rarity factor contributes significantly to the value and allure of remaining models, especially those like the prototype currently up for auction, which embody both historical significance and technological innovation.
For Tesla enthusiasts and collectors of automotive memorabilia, the auction of this prototype Roadster represents a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of electric vehicle history. The final sale price will not only reflect its intrinsic value as a rare prototype but also provide insight into the market's appetite for Tesla's foundational models amidst anticipation for the company's future innovations.
As the bidding intensifies and the auction's end draws near, all eyes are on the outcome, poised to reveal the next custodian of this rare Tesla Roadster prototype and to celebrate its legacy within the evolving landscape of electric mobility.
