2011 | Tesla Roadster

Possibly the first ‘classic electric car’, the Tesla Roadster has a few appropriate claims in the world of all-electric vehicles - the first road-legal, production vehicle to use lithium-ion batteries; the longest range per charge (at that time) of over 240 miles and the first electric vehicle to win the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally.

Entering production in 2008, the car went through a number of series developments before manufacture ceased in 2012. Taking inspiration from the contemporary Lotus Elise (but actually sharing very few components) the vehicle comprises an aluminium monocoque chassis to which carbon-fibre body panels are attached. The rolling chassis was hand-built by Lotus in the UK, with the fitment of Tesla's proprietary, patented powertrain taking place separately. Using a lithium-ion battery, this was the most advanced battery pack of any electric car sold at the time. This gave the Roadster 125mph performance and searing acceleration – improved with each series as greater torque was derived from the 3 phase AC induction motor. Production of right-hand-drive Roadsters began in January 2010. A total of a little under 2,500 Roadsters were built.

The series 2.5 Roadster offered here was commissioned by a Jersey resident, built in the UK and delivered to the island in 2011, where it was first registered in October of that year. This model has a claimed 248 bhp available and 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds. With a single owner to date, the limited mileage has mostly been accrued within the island and the car has been kept in tip-top condition with regular servicing by Tesla UK.

Power from the AC induction motor is delivered to the rear wheels via a single-speed, automatic transmission. The instantaneous torque delivered is pretty much constant from zero to 6000 rpm, with traction control on hand as standard. This car has the optional 10-way adjustable suspension package fitted. As might be anticipated with a well-maintained vehicle, everything works as it should. The current owner charges the batteries overnight via a regular 13 Amp household supply. The car’s claimed 240+ mile range is seldom tested in local driving.

The car is finished in striking metallic Radian Red with a colour-matched removable hardtop and a separate fabric soft top. The carbon composite body is in excellent condition. A couple of the silver painted alloy wheels show marks from minor kerb scrapes.

The interior is a very pleasant place to be - the Roadster has ‘Executive’ specification leather in beige & red, which carries just a few light wear marks in testament to its use. From the traditionalist’s perspective, there is an extraordinary plethora of information available from the instrument binnacle and separate, centrally mounted touchscreen, which also provides a reversing camera.

Although quite different to our normal selection of performance focussed internal combustion classics, make no mistake, this is a very fast two-seater. Driving an electric sports car is something of an alternative experience – the acceleration available is quite stupendous, accompanied by nothing in the way of traditional engine noise and, of course, no petrol costs.

With its low mileage and full Tesla UK service history, this car is in very good shape and ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.

The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required. Any import duties and transport costs would be additional to the price listed.