The first generation of the Tesla Roadster was introduced on July 19, 2006, at Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport in California. The private, invitation-only event was limited to just 350 people, including select media and celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was serving as the Governor of California at the time. Rides were given around the airport, but no one was allowed to drive the high-tech, all-electric Roadster except the professional drivers hired for the event. At the time, the Roadster was expected to be released in mid-2007 and cost between $80,000 and $120,000. After the private unveiling in Santa Monica, Tesla introduced the Roadster publicly at the San Francisco International Auto Show in November. It received a number of accolades and was the first street-legal, serial production, all-electric vehicle to use lithium-ion battery cell technology, and the first production all-electric vehicle to travel more than 200 miles on a single charge. It was also the first production car to travel into outer space in February of 2018. Based on the Lotus Elise chassis, Tesla sold 2,450 Roadsters in multiple countries, spanning production from 2008 to 2012. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported the Roadsters were actually good for a 244- mile range on a single charge and was capable of accelerating from 0-60 in less than 4-seconds. Good for a top speed of about 125 MPH, it was also an exceptionally well-behaved handler, with a low center of gravity and taut suspension. The calculated amp-hour capacity of this first-year, two-owner Tesla Roadster reads at 158.24 out of 160. Number 292 of the first 300 Roadsters built, it shows just over 900 miles on its odometer. Finished in Radiant Red Metallic paint, a $1,000 option, the car is loaded with options such as: the color-matched, painted carbon fiber hardtop, a $3,200 option; the Electronics Group, a $3,000 option; forged Tesla wheels, a $2,300 option; the Premium Interior Group, a $1,800 option; custom floor mats, a $150 option; and the 240-Volt mobile connector, a $1,500 option. The original MSRP was $106,900. To be sold with the hardtop bag, the tool kit and two keys, the car also has a comprehensive service history, the most recent annual service being carried out in March 2022 by marque specialists, Executive Motorwerkz of Lawndale, California.
