George Clooney’s early foray into electric vehicles is resurfacing as a reminder of how far the industry has progressed since Tesla’s earliest days. The actor, known for his enthusiasm for cars ranging from luxury sedans to classic sports models, was one of the first buyers of the Tesla Roadster, securing a spot among the original “Signature 100” units released in 2008.
At the time, the Roadster’s 200-mile range made it a technological milestone, offering capabilities that were considered groundbreaking. Clooney’s ownership, however, was far less smooth than anticipated. He later recounted frequent roadside breakdowns that left him frustrated with the fledgling electric platform. The experience became public during a 2013 magazine interview in which he described repeated incidents of the Roadster leaving him stranded.
The comments quickly drew the attention of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who responded publicly in defense of the company’s early work. The exchange highlighted the contrasting perspectives of a high-profile early adopter and a rapidly emerging automaker still refining its first-generation technology.
Clooney eventually parted ways with the car, sending it to a charity auction where it sold for roughly $99,000. By that point, he had logged only about 2,000 miles. Tesla later discontinued the original Roadster and shifted focus to models that would define its modern identity, including the Model S and Model 3.
The actor’s interest in vehicles extends well beyond electric experiments. His collection includes luxury models such as the Lexus LS and Porsche 911, along with a variety of scooters. Clooney also has access to a family heirloom: his father Nick’s 1959 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Convertible. The car, once a source of teenage frustration for George due to his father’s reluctance to hand over the keys, became a sentimental milestone when he was finally allowed to drive it following his first divorce—an experience his father described as one of George’s most memorable gifts.
Clooney’s early Tesla experience remains a snapshot of a transitional moment in automotive history, illustrating both the growing pains of early electric technology and the perspective of a prominent early adopter adjusting to its limitations.
Source
About the Author
