Tesla Roadster #136: 6-Year Owner Review of the Original EV Pioneer

content: Owning Tesla History: Why I'm Parting With VIN 136

After six years owning Tesla Roadster #136—one of the first 150 ever produced—I've decided to sell this automotive milestone. As an early EV adopter and industry observer, I recognize this 2008 Roadster sparked the electric revolution. But my wheelchair manufacturing business requires a $450,000 CNC bender, and selling this piece of history helps fund accessibility technology. Let's explore why this 24,000-mile pioneer remains significant despite Elon Musk's own critique: "It was completely unsafe and broke down all the time."

Provenance of a Pioneer: From Iron Man to Mars

Tesla Roadster VIN 136 represents raw innovation. Only 2,500 were built between 2008-2012, making early VINs like #136 exceptionally rare. Historical records confirm this model appeared in Iron Man (2008) during Tony Stark's suit tests. More notably, its acceleration sound became the Batcycle's roar in The Dark Knight films. The Roadster's cultural impact peaked in 2018 when Elon launched VIN 686 into space aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket. This publicity transformed remaining Roadsters into collector's items, with VIN 13 recently selling for $250,000. As an owner, I've preserved #136's authenticity: original 248hp motor, 53kWh battery with 6,831 cells, and the crucial Version 1.5 single-speed gearbox that solved early transmission failures.

Engineering Deep Dive: The Roadster's Revolutionary Design

Tesla's first production model adapted the Lotus Elise chassis but modified 93% of components. My hands-on ownership reveals three groundbreaking innovations:

1. Battery Placement: Unlike modern skateboard designs, the 992-pound pack sits vertically behind seats (not underfloor), requiring chassis lengthening and widening.
2. Thermal Management: Coolant circulates exclusively through the battery—a system visible in the rear compartment alongside the emergency repair kit.
3. Signature Features: The single massive windshield wiper later inspired Cybertruck's design, while the golf-club-sized rear trunk hints at early compromises.

Performance remains impressive: 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds, though my real-world top speed test at a charity race hit 120mph—short of Elon's claimed 125mph. The unassisted steering and 2,600-pound weight create a go-kart-like rawness modern EVs lack.

Why This Collector's Item Is For Sale

After 15 years, Roadster values are surging. Early low-mileage examples like VIN 13 command $250,000, but #136's higher mileage warrants realistic pricing. Proceeds fund industrial equipment for my wheelchair initiative—specifically an 11-axis CNC bender to improve mobility device production. This isn't just a sale; it's reinvestment in humanitarian technology. Through Private Auto (sponsoring this listing), verified buyers can securely transact using their Venmo-like platform with e-signing capabilities. While I cherish memories like using it as my wedding getaway car, advancing accessibility tech takes priority.

Actionable Insights for Potential Buyers

Roadster Evaluation Checklist:

1. Verify VIN sequence: Numbers below 150 have Version 1.5 upgrades
2. Inspect battery coolant lines: Critical for longevity
3. Test transmission: Listen for whining indicating pre-1.5 issues
4. Check windshield wiper motor: Unique part with limited replacements
5. Assess rear trunk seals: Common leakage point

Recommended Resources:

• Tesla Roadster: The First Supercar (book): Explains engineering hurdles
• Recell Ev (specialist): For battery refurbishment
• Lotus Elise forums: Source chassis components

The EV That Changed Everything

VIN 136 proves early Tesla's ambition outweighed its flaws. As I sell it to fund wheelchair innovation, I'm reminded that true progress means building on history, not clinging to it. What overlooked pioneer technology deserves modern reevaluation? Share your thoughts below—I'll respond personally. Explore the listing via the video description on PrivateAuto.com.