In the early days of Tesla, before electric vehicles became a staple of the automotive market, an unexpected event unfolded at a classic car meet in Palo Alto, California. It was September 2006, a time when electric cars were more of a curiosity than a common sight on the roads. This story takes you back to a memorable day when a rare Tesla Roadster made its debut among a sea of vintage British automobiles.
The annual All British Car Meet in Palo Alto was known for its cheerful atmosphere and impressive collection of cars, ranging from the 1920s to contemporary models. As an organizer of the event, I decided to invite a Tesla Roadster, believing its Lotus-built heritage qualified it for the gathering. After a series of persistent calls to Tesla’s marketing chief, Mike Harrigan, I had little hope it would show up.
To my surprise, amidst the hundreds of cars arriving at El Camino Park, a maroon two-seater Tesla Roadster appeared. It was one of only three in existence at the time. Harrigan himself had decided to bring the car to the event, albeit with no clear intention of staying long.
Excited by the unexpected arrival, I offered Harrigan a prime spot on a small hill at the park’s entrance, reserved for rare vehicles. As I anticipated, attendees flocked to the Roadster, curious about this new electric vehicle concept. Engaging with potential buyers, Harrigan and Diarmuid O’Connell, Tesla’s director of business development, found themselves answering a barrage of questions.
In a lighthearted moment, I suggested a deal to Harrigan: if they sold a car at the meet, I would get a ride in the Roadster. Laughing, he agreed, though neither of us expected it to happen. Yet, by the day’s end, Harrigan was holding a $90,000 check from a new Tesla owner.
The Ride
With the meet concluding, Harrigan faced a challenge. The Roadster needed to return to Tesla’s headquarters in San Carlos, but it had only 14 percent of its battery charge left. Despite this, Harrigan offered me a short ride, promising just one full-bore acceleration.
Sitting in the snug but comfortable seat, I experienced my first ride in a road-legal electric vehicle. The Tesla Roadster, though not entirely silent, was remarkably quiet compared to the typical roar of cars. As we cruised along El Camino Real, the wind noise was more prominent than any engine sound.
“Ready?” Harrigan asked before unleashing the Roadster’s electric torque. The car surged forward, reaching 75 mph in about five seconds. The powerful regenerative braking then brought us to a slower pace as we headed toward San Carlos, where my ride concluded.
The Aftermath
Reflecting on the experience, I took a few photos, including one of Harrigan’s bright yellow ’32 Ford highboy hot rod. Although I have no picture of myself in the Tesla, the ride left a lasting impression. Soon after, I began covering the hybrid and electric vehicle industry as it evolved.
Today, electric vehicles are a significant part of the automotive landscape, with advancements in range, software, and charging infrastructure. The Tesla Roadster demonstrated the potential of battery-electric cars, paving the way for models like the Tesla Model S to gain global attention. As the world moves toward electrification, I often wonder about the fate of that red Roadster from that memorable day.
Original Story at www.caranddriver.com