Tesla May Blacklist And Fine Owners $50,000 For Selling This Rare Car Too Soon

Tesla Model S Signature.
Image Credit: Tesla.

Tesla is trying to stop buyers from flipping its ultra-limited Signature Edition Model S and Model X.

The company is reportedly making buyers sign a strict no-resale agreement.

That means owners can’t simply buy one, list it for a profit, and move on.

If they do, Tesla could come after them for serious money.

The Rule Applies For One Year

Tesla Model S Signature.
Image Credit: Tesla.

According to reports, buyers agree not to sell or attempt to sell the vehicle within the first year after delivery.

That applies to the limited Signature Edition versions of the Model S and Model X.

Tesla is only building a small number of these cars.

That scarcity is exactly why the company appears worried about flippers.

The Penalty Is Massive

Tesla Model S Signature.
Image Credit: Tesla.

If an owner violates the agreement, Tesla can reportedly demand $50,000 in damages.

Or it can demand the full value received from the sale, whichever is greater.

Tesla may also seek to block the title transfer.

On top of that, the company can refuse to sell that customer new vehicles in the future.

Tesla Could Buy The Car Back First

Tesla Model S Signature.
Image Credit: Tesla.

There is one exception: If an owner has a legitimate reason to sell early, they must notify Tesla first.

Tesla then gets the chance to buy the car back.

If Tesla refuses, the owner may be allowed to sell it to someone else, but only with written permission.

This Isn’t A New Trick

Tesla Model S Signature.
Image Credit: Tesla.

Tesla previously tried a similar anti-flipping clause with the Cybertruck, and other automakers have used similar tactics, too.

Ford famously fought early resale attempts on the GT, while exotic brands like Ferrari have long been known for carefully controlling who gets access to limited cars.

The goal is always the same: stop buyers from turning rare new cars into instant profit machines.

These Signature Editions Are Meant To Be Special

Tesla Model S Signature.
Image Credit: Tesla.

The Signature Edition Model S and Model X are being treated as farewell models.

Reports say the limited-run cars are priced at around $159,420.

They also get exclusive touches like special paint, gold accents, unique badging, and numbered plaques.

Only around 350 units are expected in total.

Tesla Is Sending A Clear Message

Tesla Model S Signature.
Image Credit: Tesla.

Tesla clearly doesn’t want these cars immediately appearing on auction sites for a markup.

For collectors, that may be frustrating, but for Tesla, it protects the image of a limited farewell model.

Either way, buyers should read the fine print before signing.

A rare Tesla might sound like a future collectible, but flipping one too soon could become a very expensive mistake.

Author: Andre Nalin

Title: Writer

Andre has worked as a writer and editor for multiple car and motorcycle publications over the last decade, but he has reverted to freelancing these days. He has accumulated a ton of seat time during his ridiculous road trips in highly unsuitable vehicles, and he’s built magazine-featured cars. He prefers it when his bikes and cars are fast and loud, but if he had to pick one, he’d go with loud.

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