Tesla Inc. only made 100 Roadster Signature One Hundred Edition units back in 2008, and this example with just around 8,000 km (5,000 miles) under its belt is particularly attractive to collectors. At a recent auction, the two-seat EV went for U.S. $220,420.
As some of you know, the first generation of the Tesla Roadster was based on a heavily modified Lotus Elise platform. The example seen here had its entire bodywork replaced with carbon-fiber panels, among other things, and was outfitted with a removable roof.
The Signature One Hundred series (see video) had some special design cues that differentiated it from the stock model. These included a paint called Signature Green and an exclusive two-tone interior, as well as forged wheels sized 16” front and 17” rear. Every EV came equipped with a stereo sound system, an air conditioner and an extra display to the left of the steering column.
Power came from a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, driving it with 248 PS (245 hp / 182 kW) and 271 Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. The car could go from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds. The sold example had its traction battery replaced earlier this year.
The seller was none other than the famous Petersen Automotive Museum in LA, California. The museum purchased the car as an exhibit around six years ago, and it has never been driven on roads since.
