A one-of-a-kind Tesla Roadster prototype that has never hit the mainstream has just emerged on Cars & Bids, an online automotive marketplace.
Roadster performance package heads to auction block
A rare development car, offering a glimpse into Tesla’s past is now up for auction. The historic vehicle is said to be a 2011 Tesla Roadster Performance Package Development Mule, named “Tesla Roadster 2.5 Sport.”
Considering Tesla’s tremendous influence in the automotive industry, the said Roadster prototype will likely attract major interest from collectors and enthusiasts.
What’s interesting about this news is this Tesla Roadster prototype is the only one of its kind available for purchase today. Even more, it marks the first time that such a vehicle is up for grabs.
Brief background
Tesla originally sold the Roadster prototype with VIN #1124 in 2012.
An accident damaged the car, prompting Tesla to repurchase it. At the time, former Tesla Service VP Joost de Vries acquired the Roadster Sport to have it repaired by ex-Tesla Seattle service location manager Carl Medlock.
Today, Carl Medlock operates one of the only third-party Roadster repair shops in the US, Medlock and Sons. He currently co-owns the vehicle with Jamison Cummings, Tesla’s former Chief Technician from the Roadster days.
After the repair, Joost de Vries intended to develop a performance package for the Tesla Roadsters to generate revenue through service departments. Unfortunately, the project did not push through for some reasons Tesla no longer mentioned.
Upgrades
Despite not seeing the light of day, the Tesla Roadster in question still undergone major cosmetic and performance upgrades such as follows:
- Tarox Italian Performance Brakes Front and Rear (only 1 of 3 units known to feature this system)
- Custom ABS Flash developed to function seamlessly with the Tarox Braking System, developed by Continental (also 1 of 3)
- Hollinger Limited Slip Differential customized for EV torque (one of 2)
- Custom Tuned Bilstein Performance Sport Suspension (sole unit)
- Custom Roadster RR camber plates and handling package
- Hand-laid raw carbon bodywork, making it the only raw carbon Roadster in existence
Most remarkably, the former Tesla employees clear-coated the entire body of the Roadster in question rather than painted. This feature made the fibers of the carbon fiber visible on all body panels except the plastic bumpers.
This innovative package was expected to cost a whopping $30,000, including various performance upgrades like an 80 KWh battery pack. However, Tesla failed to complete the project due to leadership changes. As a result, the vehicle ended up being the sole prototype.
The highest bid for the 2011 Tesla Roadster is currently at an astounding $80,000.
You can check more details about the 2011 Tesla Roadster Performance Package Development Mule via the Cars & Bids listing here. Meanwhile, a video showcasing the Roadster prototype is presented below:
