Before Tesla created its range of the Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y (which, when arranged like that, spell S3XY), the Roadster was their tour de force. Based on a Lotus Elise chassis, it was the first highway-legal production car to use lithium-ion battery cells. Yet, production was modest, at approximately 2,450 units over the car’s four-year production run. Today, finding a Tesla Roadster isn’t easy as you might guess. This 2008 Tesla Roadster comes with a 53 kilowatt-hour battery pack and a carbon fiber body. Being Tesla’s first production vehicle, the Roadster is definitely a historically significant machine and owning one will be a great experience. The charger is said to be included with the car as well.

Exterior and Interior
The Lotus Elise design is clearly visible on every Roadster, since Tesla didn’t go to change too much of what was already an eye-catching shape and form. They did, however, change elements such as the wheels, headlamp and taillamp clusters. However, those body panels are carbon fiber, which of course, aids in keeping vehicle weight down. The interior of this 2008 Tesla Roadster comes with two tan leather seats and is largely similar to the Elise. The only significant difference is the presence of two rather than three pedals in the driver’s footwell. However, closer inspection reveals more differentiation. For example, while the gauge cluster looks standard Elise, the rev counter runs up to 13,000rpm which is the motor’s maximum permissible speed. Then, there’s indicators for the car’s transmission, and the speedometer reaches 150mph. Looking at the upper center console, we find a JVC head unit with HDD navigation. Lower down are controls for the air conditioning and heating system, as well as two buttons for the seat heaters.

Engine
Powering this 2008 Tesla Roadster is a reported 248 horsepower electric motor with a maximum torque figure of 200lb-ft. The motor drives the rear wheels through a single-speed fixed gear transmission. There’s regenerative braking to augment the four-wheel disk brakes. You’ve also got front and rear independent suspension for sporty handling. It might amaze you to know that the 0-60 time is around 4 seconds!