The Tesla Roadster played a crucial role in kickstarting the modern electric vehicle revolution. What began as a small startup project to convert the Lotus Elise into a battery-powered sports car has evolved into the world’s most valuable car company, led by the world’s wealthiest individual. It’s hard to argue that these pristine Roadsters deserve to be abandoned in a shipping container in Shanghai for over a decade.
That’s why Dan O’Dowd, a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur, took it upon himself to rescue these three lost Roadsters from China, despite his criticisms of certain aspects of Tesla’s technology. O’Dowd has even gone as far as running Super Bowl ads calling for boycotts of Tesla cars.
Get Fully Charged
The original Tesla Roadster is a collector’s item.
The Tesla Roadster ushered in a new era of zero-emissions transportation by demonstrating that electric cars can be stunning, fast, and have a long range. With only a limited number produced, these cars are now considered highly exclusive.
O’Dowd, the CEO of Green Hills Software known for its secure operating systems, has a diverse range of interests, including curating a $380 million coin collection and owning a nearly intact tyrannosaurus rex skull for display.
In addition to his professional endeavors, O’Dowd is involved in challenging the safety issues of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software through his consumer advocacy group, The Dawn Project, which has been the subject of legal actions from Tesla and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Despite his criticisms of FSD, O’Dowd has a deep appreciation for Tesla cars and owns multiple models, including five Roadsters, a Model S, and two Model 3s.