2008 Tesla Roadster — Radiant Red Original-Owner Collector Driver

This 2008 Tesla Roadster is a Radiant Red, black-interior example with a clear title, long-term original ownership, and only 24,665 miles. Delivered new on December 16, 2008 at the Tesla Sales and Service Center in Menlo Park, California, this Roadster represents one of the early and highly significant chapters in Tesla history.

The car has remained with its original owner and only driver, other than service use, and has been garaged when not being driven since delivery. It retains its original ESS, PEM, and motor, with all service performed by Tesla and no alterations, holes, wiring modifications, or body/frame/suspension changes outside of documented accident repairs.

Vehicle Highlights

• 2008 Tesla Roadster — early-production Tesla collectible with historic significance
• Radiant Red exterior with black interior
• VIN: 5YJRE11B281000106
• Current mileage: 24,665 miles
• Clear title with original-owner history
• Delivered new on 12/16/2008 at Tesla Sales and Service Center in Menlo Park, California
• Original ESS, PEM, and motor
• Garaged since new when not being driven
• All service performed by Tesla
• Color-matched carbon fiber hardtop included

Factory Options, Upgrades & Accessories

• Partial PPF installed by Tesla before delivery
• Color-matched carbon fiber hardtop
• Factory HID headlights added during Tesla-authorized accident repair
• A/C condenser fan factory upgrade
• High Power Wall Connector — 70A
• 240V mobile connector with 14-50 plug — 30A
• 120V mobile connector with 5-15 plug — 15A
• J1772 to Tesla adapter — 70A
• Roadster to Model S/X/3/Y adapter included, noted as non-functioning
• Two keys with remote buttons plus one valet key
• Tesla padded hardtop case
• Storage bag for soft top
• Phone holder mounting bracket by Stephen L. Castner of Sunnyvale, California
• Used carbon fiber center console with switchgear intended for traction-control switch repair
• New Lotus traction control switch included as a possible replacement

Recent Service & Condition

• Exterior condition is very good with some minor rock chips and scratches
• Worst noted scratch is approximately 3/4 inch long, through the color coat and exposing the lighter base coat
• Interior condition is very good
• Driver seat shows wear with stretched leather
• Passenger door sill shows minor to moderate scuffing
• Driver side door sill shows scuffing, denting, and cracking
• Tires have 50%+ tread remaining
• Front-end accident on 1/4/2013 at approximately 14,650 miles
• Repaired by Chilton Auto Body in San Carlos, a Tesla-authorized repair shop
• Title remained clean, though the accident is listed on Carfax

Known Issues

• Traction control switch is broken, though functional with some fiddling
• Subwoofer may not be working
• Left center HVAC vent has lower air velocity than normal compared with the others, reportedly occurring after Tesla service worked on the dash

This Roadster has been with its original owner since new and has been carefully stored, serviced, and maintained throughout its life. As an early Tesla Roadster, it carries the direct connection to Tesla’s first production sports car and the beginning of the modern EV performance movement.

The car was involved in a documented front-end accident in 2013 and was repaired by a Tesla-authorized body shop, with the title remaining clean. The owner notes that all original equipment remains except for the accident repairs, and that the car has not been altered, drilled, rewired, or modified in the body, frame, interior, or suspension.

For a buyer who values originality, ownership history, factory service, and early Tesla significance, this Radiant Red 2008 Roadster offers a rare opportunity to acquire an original-owner example with its major drivetrain components still original and a strong collection of included factory accessories.