American purchased Tesla Roadster for super cheap $35K from previous owner who couldn’t get it to charge, restored it to be worth around $150K
- The Tesla Roadster was the innovative brand’s first car
- Pristine examples can fetch over $200,000 today
- This one doesn’t charge – but can it be fixed?
Published on Dec 04, 2024 at 3:55 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Dec 05, 2024 at 4:48 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Elon Musk’s first foray into the world of EVs, the Tesla Roadster was the innovative brand’s first car – with charging sparking many many conversations about range, torque, and costs compared to gas engines.
Featuring a lightweight carbon fiber body, a state-of-the-art electric motor, and an impressive performance of 0-97km/h/0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds.
Pristine examples can fetch over $200,000 today – however, if it doesn’t charge that value will plummet.
Enter this ‘neglected and questionably modified’ 2010 Tesla Roadster bought by two US car enthusiasts for $35,000.
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The non-charging Tesla Roadster
While the first Tesla already has a cult following, this isn’t any old example.
It’s a Japanese import that was one of the first 12 exported to Japan – others were allegedly transported to China to boost their own EV technology.
The batch of cars was known as the ‘Signature 12’.
It featured a customized plaque inside with a slogan unique to the car’s original owner.
With only 5,000 original miles on the odometer – it seems like a steal.
However, the fact that it wouldn’t charge means its value plummeted.
Charging is key to the convenience and lower costs of EVs.
Can Rex and Freddy of Art Of The Flip fix it?
The restoration
First up a ‘comprehensive decontamination wash’ to remove any grime and dirt before dealing with what was sitting beneath.
Rex cleaned the tires and body of the car with pressure washers and foam cannons.
The aging Paint Protection Film (PPF) had yellowed and become brittle and was meticulously removed using steam and scraping tools.
Next up, dry ice cleaning restored the suspension, brake components, and other parts to factory-like condition at a ‘molecular level’ without damaging the delicate components of the Tesla Roadster.
Last but not least, a clay bar was used to smooth the paint surface, and heavy-cut compound and polish restored the shine and removed scratches on the finish.
More than simply cleaning, a full carbon fiber roof was installed for water resistance with a ceramic coating applied to protect the now-perfect paintwork.
As for its changing issues?
“We actually got the car to charge and run properly as soon as it got here,” they admitted.
Translation: “It may pay off in a big way.”
With a new estimated resale value of $150,000 – it certainly did.
London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
