This unique Signature VIN #5 Roadster, is one of the first 11 Roadsters 100% assembled by Lotus, at the Hethel UK plant, not in Menlo Park CA, destined for the North American market. The VIN prefix SFZRE was only used on this limited edition series of Roadsters. The Menlo Park facility was setup so Tesla could ship empty “Gliders” for final assembly in the US, to avoid the extra costs in shipping drive train components like ESS Batttery Packs, PEMs, and Motors to the UK. Hethel continued making Roadsters, but shifted to serving only the Europe/Asia/Australian markets, with Menlo Park designated to assemble Roadsters for the North American market. The ESS Battery Pack in this Roadster was replaced by Tesla around 2015 resolving known engineering issues like bonding plate pop rivet issues. Legend has it that this car was reserved for Kimbal Musk but it went into private ownership for many years.  Recent contact through an unnamed source indicates this may have been a myth. Gruber Motor Company offers Tesla Roadster matchmaking services. We unite sellers with buyers, and offer this service free of charge. Our Tesla fan and customer data base is extensive, and we maintain a growing list of “want to buy” contacts. Between our social media exposure, Our YouTube Channel – and growing Website traffic, we have been highly successful placing Roadsters into the hands of appreciative new Tesla Roadster owners. Contact us at ev@gruber.com if you would like to buy or sell a Roadster. Gruber Motor Company offers Tesla Roadster matchmaking services. We unite sellers with buyers, and offer this service free of charge. Our Tesla fan and customer data base is extensive, and we maintain a growing list of “want to buy” contacts. Between our social media exposure, Our YouTube Channel – and growing Website traffic, we have been highly successful placing Roadsters into the hands of appreciative new Tesla Roadster owners.