Quick Highlights:
- Only 1,821 miles from new
- Lotus Elise chassis with Tesla’s electric magic
- 248 hp electric motor, 0–60 mph in 4 seconds
- Carbon fiber body, premium beige leather interior
- Just 2,450 units made globally
- Available now on Exotic Car Trader for $225,000
If you’re looking for an electric sports car that helped redefine the industry, this 2008 Tesla Roadster for sale on Exotic Car Trader deserves your full attention. With just 1,821 miles on the odometer, it’s more than just a collector’s item — it’s a milestone in the EV revolution.
I remember when the Roadster first made the rounds. It looked like a Lotus, moved like a sports car, and made zero sound doing it. It was strange, fast, and oddly exciting. You couldn’t help but pay attention. At the time, it wasn’t clear if Tesla would last, but this car made it clear they were thinking differently.
Before Tesla had the Model S sedan, Model 3 compact, Model X SUV, and Model Y crossover, it had this: the original Roadster. Built on a Lotus Elise chassis and equipped with a 248-hp electric motor, it was the first highway-legal EV to use lithium-ion batteries. This particular example, finished in Radiant Red, is a pristine time capsule from Tesla’s startup years, and one of the cleanest survivors today.
Specs: 2008 Tesla Roadster
| Feature | Details |
| Battery | 53 kWh Lithium-Ion |
| Powertrain | Single Electric Motor (248 hp) |
| Torque | 200 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 4.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 125 mph (drag limited) |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic (most production units) |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Charging | 56 miles/hour on 240V/90A setup |
| Exterior | Radiant Red |
| Interior | Premium Beige Leather |
| Body | Carbon Fiber Panels |
| Mileage | 1,821 miles |
Elise Roots, Tesla Vision
Agile and unfiltered, the Roadster was Tesla’s bold attempt at proving that EVs could be fun, fast, and disruptive. Based on the featherweight Lotus Elise, the Tesla added its own identity, including carbon fiber bodywork, premium leather interior, and a JVC infotainment system with navigation.
The Roadster’s analog feel — from the 13,000 RPM tach to the unassisted steering — makes it stand apart from today’s tech-heavy EVs. And despite its minimalism, performance was anything but basic.
According to Car and Driver’s 2008 Road Test
- 0–60 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Quarter mile: 13.3 sec @ 104 mph
- Handling: Well-balanced even on wet roads, with a smooth ride and secure dynamics
- Braking: Strong, responsive, and separated from the regenerative system
- Weight distribution: 65% rear-biased due to the massive 6,831-cell battery pack
Tesla engineers originally paired a two-speed gearbox with the motor to balance low-end punch and highway efficiency, though most production models were converted to single-speed for durability. The suspension was also reworked from the Elise, featuring larger brakes, new subframes, and a softened ride.
Why This Car Matters
Only 2,450 Tesla Roadsters were built between 2008 and 2012, and most have racked up serious miles or disappeared into private collections. This one, with just 1,821 miles, feels nearly factory-fresh. It represents Tesla’s first bold step into EV performance, long before the world caught on.
Even today, the acceleration holds up. And with its raw, analog character, this is still one of the most engaging Teslas ever made.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an early EV believer, a Tesla completist, or a collector of groundbreaking machines, this 2008 Tesla Roadster is the real deal. With just 1,821 miles and pristine condition, it’s among the cleanest and most significant examples left. You can view the full listing and details directly on Exotic Car Trader.
Note: All specifications, mileage details, Images, and vehicle history have been sourced directly from the seller’s official listing on Exotic Car Trader.
