A trio of original Tesla Roadsters, untouched and abandoned since 2010, has sparked a bidding frenzy among auto enthusiasts and collectors. The current bid for the set of three vehicles stands at a staggering $500,000 USD as of May 5, 2023. That works out to $166,667 for each Roadster, in an auction being held by Gruber Motor Company.
The remarkable story of these Roadsters began in 2010 when a customer in China purchased three brand new US-spec, left-hand drive Roadsters from Tesla – two in ‘Very Orange’ (one sport model and one base model) and one ‘Radiant Red’ sport model. However, the cars were left abandoned at a Chinese port, nestled in sea containers where they’ve been accruing storage charges ever since.
Each Roadster comes with unopened boxes presumed to contain brand new charging cables and an external box assumed to hold a hardtop with a carrying case. The seller, who is covering the storage charges, is willing to fly to China to meet prospective buyers for viewings.
The mystery that adds to the allure of these Roadsters is the uncertainty surrounding their ESS pack Service Plugs. It’s unclear whether they were pulled before shipment, and if they were, whether there’s any life left in the packs after 13 years of storage. These details, along with the actual mileage of the vehicles, will remain unknown until the cars are retrieved and fired up.
Pictures of these Roadsters are like going back in time. There’s plastic wrap on the seats and cardboard protecting the floor mats still remain.
The seller has planned for the Roadsters to be returned to the US by mid-May unless a sale occurs before then. Upon their return, the vehicles will be sent to Gruber Motors for a full technical review.
While the owner initially aimed to sell the Roadsters as a set, they are open to splitting them up due to the high demand. Interested parties have been placing their bids via email.
As the Roadster’s collectible status and unique backstory fuel interest, the bids have soared from an initial $50,000 each ($150,000 total) to a current high bid of $500,000 for the set.
Gruber Motor Company, providing free matchmaking services for Tesla Roadsters, is facilitating this pretty incredible auction. The company’s extensive database of Tesla fans and customers is likely to see this bidding war continue as more potential buyers learn of these untouched, decade-old Roadsters.
Tesla first started producing its iconic electric Roadster back in 2008, based on the chassis of a Lotus Elise. CEO Elon Musk sent his Roadster to space during the first-ever launch of Falcon Heavy on February 6, 2018.
What do you think bidding will reach for all three of these Tesla Roadsters? Group buy anyone?
