Pricier Than a New Porsche: 2008 Tesla Roadster With Just 574 Miles Listed for Sale

A unique listing has surfaced on Exotic Car Trader — a 2008 Tesla Roadster showing just 574 miles of use. The asking price is $165,000, making it one of the most expensive examples of the model currently available in the U.S. market.

This white Roadster is a genuine artifact from Tesla’s early days. It retains its original 53 kWh battery pack, powering an electric motor rated at 248 horsepower and 271 Nm of torque. Power is delivered through a single-speed transmission, typical for early EVs.

The car features factory white paint, a two-tone black-and-beige interior, carbon-fiber body panels, and original black Tesla wheels. A body-colored hardtop is also included in the sale.

The first-generation Tesla Roadster was based on the Lotus Elise platform, and although its styling differs slightly, its proportions and cabin layout remain closely related to the British sports car. The dashboard is an adapted version from the Elise, and the gear selector functions only to choose the drive direction — forward, reverse, or neutral.

While $165,000 is a hefty price tag, it’s not out of line for low-mileage Roadsters. Currently, seven units are listed for sale across the U.S. The cheapest is priced at $56,000, but with 68,000 miles on the clock. Another example is listed at $149,000 with 33,000 miles. That makes this ultra-low-mileage Roadster a true collector’s gem.

Most electric vehicles aren’t seen as collectible, but the original Roadster holds a special place among Tesla enthusiasts. Its connection to Lotus, limited production run, and role in Tesla’s early history give it iconic status.

Whether other EVs will ever reach similar collector appeal remains to be seen. For now, enthusiasts are still eagerly awaiting the next-generation Tesla Roadster, which the company plans to release later this decade.