The highly anticipated return of the Tesla Roadster has been marked by a series of delays and setbacks, leaving automotive enthusiasts eagerly awaiting its arrival. With a storied history dating back to its initial production run between 2008 and 2012, the Roadster holds a special place in the electric vehicle (EV) industry as Tesla’s first-ever product.
The value of the original Roadster has seen a remarkable increase in recent years. Hagerty, a provider of insurance and services for collector cars, reported that Roadster values surged from an average of $69,000 in 2020 to an impressive $127,000 in 2022. The car’s legacy has become intrinsically linked to Tesla’s own success, contributing to the brand’s rise in prominence over the years.
However, the much-anticipated new version of the Roadster has faced numerous challenges in reaching production. Originally unveiled in 2017 with the usual bold claims by Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk, stating that it would be the fastest production car ever made with an astonishing 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, the release date has been pushed back multiple times due to production delays and supply chain shortages.
Musk himself acknowledged the difficulties faced by the company in meeting the demand for its various models, including the Roadster, attributing the setbacks to the unprecedented supply chain shortages in 2021. Despite initial hopes for a 2021 release, it became apparent that the goal was overly ambitious. Musk later confirmed that no new models would be released in 2022, as the focus would be on scaling up production.
The CEO expressed optimism about a potential 2023 release date, he also admitted to sometimes setting unrealistic expectations. According to the company site, believers can reserve a base model for $50,000. Current projections indicate that the earliest the new Roadster could be seen on the roads is by the end of 2024. But everyone knows that’s subject to change.
What’s not known is what happened to the SpaceX option package of the Roadster that Musk mused about once upon an early June evening in 2018.
Musk, who’s prone to tweeting fits, even teased that the rocket engine setup could “allow a Tesla to fly.” Strangely though, or maybe not really, the rest of the thread that began with this very special Roadster package turned into story time about the start of his career.
Information for this story was found via Business Insider, Tesla, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
