Today's Roadster Orphan

[Bill_Baron]

Mecum Chicago Auction Lot S15.1 Chicago 2019 Oct 26
2010 Tesla Roadster 3.9
5,304 Miles
2010 Tesla Roadster | S15.1 | Chicago 2019 | Mecum Auctions

Sure enough, it did not sell. Bidding stopped at $40K. The bid goes on...

 

[Roadster]

"2010 Tesla Roadster 3.9"

Must have been that rare 3.9 battery pack that turned the ICErs off.

 

[da2ny]

It's not loud enough for that crowd.

 

[Roadster]

Here's the Roadster going across the block (skip ahead to 42:59)...

 

[Bill_Baron]

Funny that they wanted to start the bidding at $50K but nobody raised their paddle, so they had to back up to start at $20K. I wonder what the reserve was.

 

[Roadster]

Funny you should say that because #1325 is in Plano, TX and for sale (no photos yet).

Ah, photos were added so memorializing it now!

2011 Roadster Base
VIN: #1325 (US)
Mileage: 38,769
Price: $69,999 USD
1-owner Racing Green 2.5 Base for sale at Auto Source of Texas in Plano, TX. Base Cast rims, soft top, Base beige int, infotainment pkg, SMC. CarFax here.

 

[dhrivnak]

Funny that they wanted to start the bidding at $50K but nobody raised their paddle, so they had to back up to start at $20K. I wonder what the reserve was.

Sad only $40K for a 3.0. Does not seem right

 

[hcsharp]

Sad only $40K for a 3.0. Does not seem right

A lot of cars get auctioned because they have a hidden problem. Often there's nothing wrong with the cars but buyers will bid low to protect themselves. That auction is also not a likely place for a potential Roadster buyer.

 

[im4uttx]

A lot of cars get auctioned because they have a hidden problem. Often there's nothing wrong with the cars but buyers will bid low to protect themselves. That auction is also not a likely place for a potential Roadster buyer.

This is true...I have a friend that attends auctions, owns a MS/MX Tesla, and many "exotic" or "muscle" collectibles, and highly doubt he would be interested in buying a roadster at an auction...while a roadster is a special car, especially for those of us who LOVE them, it's NOT a muscle car with 40 years of history.

10 or 20 years from now, as long as the roadster remains viable with replacement/rebuilt parts, I think the initial roadsters COULD be VERY valuable, especially if the roadster follow-on is successful.

 

[Roadster]

2010 Roadster Sport
VIN: #N/A
Mileage: 42,800
Price: $65,000 USD
Jet(?) Black 2.5 Sport for sale in Huntington Beach, CA. Silver forged rims, soft top, xenons, Exec(?) Black / Lt. Gray Rally Two interior, infotainment pkg, SMC.

 

[Roadster]

2010 Roadster Base
VIN: #N/A (CA)
Mileage: 39,341 mi / 63,313 km
Price: $68,354 USD / C$89,950 CAD
Electric Blue 2.0 Base for sale by Shift Motors in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Black forged rims, 2.5 front/rear fascia, soft top, aftermarket rear lens covers(?), CF sills, CF binnacle, Infotainment pkg, Premium Black / Lt. Gray Rally One int, custom Alcantara waterfalls, dashpad and door panels.

 

[Roadster]

2010 Roadster Base
VIN: #919 (CA)
Mileage: 26,469 mi / 42,597 km
Price: $55,469 USD / C$72,995 CAD
Fusion Red 2.0 Base for sale by Vehicules Electriques Simon Andre in Trois-Rivières City, Québec, Canada. Cast Base rims, soft top, xenons, Premium Black / Red Rally One int, Infotainment pkg.

 

[Roadster]

2011 Roadster Base
VIN: #1303 (US)
Mileage: 54,536
Price: $57,999 USD
1-owner Obsidian(?) Black 2.5 Base for sale in San Diego, CA. Base Cast rims, soft top, Premium black int, infotainment pkg, SMC. CarFax here.

 

[drewski]

2011 Roadster Base
VIN: #1303 (US)
Mileage: 54,536
Price: $57,999 USD
1-owner Obsidian(?) Black 2.5 Base for sale in San Diego, CA. Base Cast rims, soft top, Premium black int, infotainment pkg, SMC. CarFax here.

View attachment 477521 View attachment 477525

That soft-top looks like it needs some love. Is the fabric section separately replaceable?

 

[slcasner]

That soft-top looks like it needs some love. Is the fabric section separately replaceable?

Not easily. The fabric is glued to the side rails. My original soft top was losing it stitching along the rear edge and the foam of the inner layer was disintegrating. I took it to an upholstery shop to inquire about repair, and determined that buying a new one from Tesla for $1K was the better option.

 

[drewski]

Not easily. The fabric is glued to the side rails. My original soft top was losing it stitching along the rear edge and the foam of the inner layer was disintegrating. I took it to an upholstery shop to inquire about repair, and determined that buying a new one from Tesla for $1K was the better option.

That's too bad.

Does the Elise use the same fastening system, like the hard tops, that could be used?

 

[Gremlin]

Yes, that is #1302. I thought you were done buying Roadsters as you got your "ultimate" now. What is this "next on my list" business?!

If I had that cash I'd trade in both rides for Roadster 2020 :- P

 

[slcasner]

Does the Elise use the same fastening system, like the hard tops, that could be used?

Yes, this soft-top is the same as the Elise. But when I looked, the prices were slightly more than Tesla's price.

 

[drewski]

Yes, this soft-top is the same as the Elise. But when I looked, the prices were slightly more than Tesla's price.

Was thinking something aftermarket, but maybe not much out there.

 

[DeedWest]

If I had that cash I'd trade in both rides for Roadster 2020 :- P

Don't get me wrong - as someone who frequents long road trips in the Roadster several times a year, I'm drooling at the thought of 620 miles of range on the 2021 Roadster. However, I wouldn't trade or sell mine for anything. She is my soulmate.