Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.A 2011 Tesla Roadster Sport 2.5, the fast, Lotus-based electric sports car that launched Tesla and helped prove the performance case for EVs, this Fusion Red example shows 32,000 miles. It is offered on Bring a Trailer by a dealer with bidding at $34,000 and two days remaining. The hook is a genuinely historic car with the single most important box checked: a documented, healthy battery pack.2011 Tesla Roadster SportBring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowOriginal Roadster values have cooled somewhat from their pandemic-era peak but remain strong. According to Classic.com, the Tesla Roadster averages about $93,513, with recent sales ranging widely from the low $40,000s to well over $200,000 for the earliest and lowest-mileage cars. The single best market reference for this specific car is its own history, since it sold right here for $80,500 in October 2024.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe value of any first-generation Roadster hinges on battery health, and this one is a standout. The current owner reports a calculated amp-hour capacity of 141 Ah against roughly 157 Ah when new, indicating about 90 percent state of health after 15 years, which is exceptional and translates to a real-world range of 170 to 200 miles. The power electronics module, a known weak point, was refurbished, further de-risking it.2011 Tesla Roadster SportBring a TrailerAt $34,000 with two days remaining, the auction is still early and sitting well below both the market average and the car's own prior result, so it should climb. Fair value realistically lands in the $70,000 to $90,000 range for a healthy, well-sorted example like this.Condition and detailsThe car is finished in Fusion Red over a beige Executive leather interior, a striking combination that lends it an almost Ferrari-like presence, and it rides on forged aluminum wheels with new tires fitted in October 2025. Paint-protection film is applied to parts of the exterior, and the selling dealer discloses minor imperfections on the door sills and near the driver's door. An aftermarket Pioneer head unit adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a backup camera.2011 Tesla Roadster SportBring a TrailerMechanically and electrically, it is well-maintained. Beyond the healthy pack and refurbished power electronics, the owner cites recent annual service, an installed remote-monitoring system, and a set of rare, hard-to-find accessories, including the original Tesla Roadster car cover and custom J1772 charging adapters. The car has reportedly always been garage-kept and charged correctly, which is exactly the ownership pattern these require to preserve the battery.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe considerations here are inherent to the model rather than this specific car. Roadster service depends on a small, specialized network, parts can be scarce, and the Lotus Elise-derived cabin is cramped with few modern conveniences. None of that is a flaw in this example, but it is the reality of Roadster ownership that a buyer should understand going in.The offerSpecificationDetailMakeTeslaModelRoadster Sport 2.5Year2011Mileage32,000 milesEngineThree-phase AC induction motor, 53-kWh batteryPower288 hp and 295 lb.ft of torqueTransmissionSingle-speedDrive typeRear wheel driveExterior colorFusion RedInterior colorBeige leatherCurrent bid$34,000, with two days leftInterested in this 2011 Tesla Roadster Sport? View the listing here.What makes the Tesla Roadster uniqueThe original Tesla Roadster is one of the most historically significant cars of the 21st century, the vehicle that launched Tesla and demonstrated that an electric car could be genuinely fast and desirable rather than a compromise. Built from 2008 to 2012 on a modified Lotus Elise platform, roughly 2,500 were produced worldwide, and the Sport variant added output for a 0 to 60 mph time of around 3.7 seconds, which one reviewer memorably likened to being shot out of a potato gun.2011 Tesla Roadster SportBring a TrailerThe 2.5 was the final and most refined version, adding revised styling, improved seats, better climate control, and an optional touchscreen. As the car that directly paved the way for the Model S and everything that followed, the Roadster occupies a unique place in automotive history, and clean, healthy examples have become sought-after collectibles among both Tesla enthusiasts and those who appreciate landmark cars.My takeThis is a compelling example of a car that belongs in the history books, and the appeal is straightforward: it is the car that started Tesla, it is quick and genuinely fun, and this particular one has been cared for exactly the way a Roadster needs to be. The healthy battery and refurbished power electronics address the two biggest financial risks of Roadster ownership, which is precisely what separates a good example from a scary one.AdvertisementAdvertisementI would place fair value in the $70,000 to $90,000 range, consistent with the market and with this car's own $80,500 sale in 2024, so the current $34,000 bid still has considerable room to climb. Go in understanding the realities of specialist service and the compact, analog cabin, budget accordingly, and verify the battery figures during inspection, and this is a rare chance to own a landmark EV that has been genuinely well kept.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.2011 Tesla Roadster SportBring a TrailerView the 5 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.