US man could be set to feel the wrath of Tesla after trying to flip one of the last Model S Plaids ever built for a wild price despite ban
Published on Jul 16, 2026 at 11:00 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jul 16, 2026 at 11:00 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
This American man could land himself in hot water with Tesla after trying to flip one of the last Model S Plaids for a wild price.
The car in question is an ultra-rare Tesla Model S Plaid ‘Signature Edition’, one of the final runs before production ceased.
A Tesla enthusiast has flipped his, with it now being listed up for sale at a price of $260,490.
That would be all well and good if not for the fact that this action is banned.
Taking a closer look at the Tesla Model S Plaid ‘Signature Edition’
The ‘Signature Edition’ was intended as a swan song for the discontinued Model S.
Priced at around $159,420, these cars were fairly exclusive, with only 250 being made.
It’s no wonder then that Tesla opted for an aggressive legal strategy to prevent flipping.
That strategy? A fine of $50,000.
The EV maker requires buyers to sign a strict No Resale Agreement, which forbids them from selling the car within the first 12 months of delivery.
Should they fail to comply with this requirement, the company will sue them for ‘liquidated damages’ of $50,000 or the value received, whichever is greater.
Also, Tesla reserves the right to permanently ban the buyer from ever purchasing a new vehicle, which is potentially a big deal if the buyer in question is also a Roadster reservation holder.
The only carveout would be Tesla offering to buy back the car if there was a ‘legitimate unforeseen reason to sell’.
That could pertain to financial hardships on the owner’s part.
In those circumstances, if the carmaker didn’t want to buy the car back, the owner could sell it with Tesla’s written permission.
In short, there’s a lot of legalities.
This American man might be in trouble for what he’s doing with his Tesla Model S Plaid ‘Signature Edition’
The ‘Signature Edition’ in question is being sold by J&S Autohaus in Ewing, New Jersey, priced at $260,490.
That’s $100,000 more than the original price.
Whether or not the owner behind this car will face repercussions remains to be seen.
At any rate, the car is in fine shape.
Its interior looks showroom new, and the paint job looks top-notch.
Key Features: Tesla Model S Plaid ‘Signature Edition’
Powertrain: Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive, peak output at 1,020hp
Top Speed: 200mph
0–62 mph: 2.1 seconds
Drive Modes: Chill / Sport / Plaid, Drag Strip Mode, Plaid Track Mode
Starting Price: $159,420
This isn’t an uncommon practice in the automotive world
It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to put restrictions in place when it comes to sold cars.
For example, this Alabama man was banned from selling his Ford Mustang GTD for two years.
And then there’s Ferrari, which has an infamous blacklist.
Famous names on that list include Justin Bieber, who was slapped with a ban after taking his F458 Italia to West Coast Customs for a body kit makeover, in which the emblem on the steering wheel was tampered with.
Whether or not Rick Ross will face a ban for what he did to his Ferraris remains to be seen.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
