At this year's Petersen Gala Live Auction event, the automotive world was abuzz as one of the first Tesla Cybertrucks ever produced went under the hammer. The electric pickup truck, with a relatively low VIN number, fetched an impressive $400,000 at auction. While this sale is significant, it falls short of the staggering $2.5 million achieved by the first GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 at a previous auction.
The anticipation surrounding the Tesla Cybertruck at the Petersen Gala Live Auction was palpable. Not only was this auction an opportunity for a paying customer to secure one of the first-ever Cybertrucks, but it also served as a litmus test for the vehicle's popularity. Such auctions have a track record of captivating the public's attention, making this event highly anticipated.
Following the auction, it's confirmed that Tesla successfully sold its first Cybertruck to a customer, and it did so for a remarkable sum. What makes this feat even more impressive is that the Cybertruck in question did not possess any special attributes that would justify its high selling price. It wasn't the sought-after VIN 001 unit, typically auctioned for charity. It lacked exclusive equipment, received no special promotion, and was notably absent from the event. Bids were placed by attendees in front of a design sketch displayed on screens.
Despite its achievement, the Cybertruck fell short of other high-profile car auctions. The winning bid of $400,000, while substantial, pales in comparison to the staggering amounts fetched by other vehicles. Notably, the VIN 001 GMC Hummer EV sold at auction in March 2021 for an astonishing $2.5 million, while its sibling, the GMC Hummer EV SUV with VIN 001, secured $500,000 in January. These vehicles were auctioned for charitable purposes, unlike the Cybertruck, which aimed to support the Petersen Museum's activities.
The final auction price not only trails that of other VIN 001 cars but also falls short of expectations. Speculation in the days leading up to the Petersen Gala hinted at potential bids reaching $1 million or more. Given that the event's cheapest seat cost $1,750, there was optimism that attendees would open their wallets wider. Some suggest that having an actual Cybertruck unit on stage might have encouraged more bidding, potentially increasing the final sale price.
Nonetheless, it's worth noting that the highest bid still represents a significant premium over the Cybertruck's retail price. While Tesla has not disclosed the exact price of the Cybertruck, Elon Musk has suggested that it will be competitively priced, potentially even more affordable than the Ford F-150 Lightning or offer greater value for money. Even the most upscale trims are not expected to exceed $100,000.
BREAKING: The Cybertruck auction at the Petersen Museum reportedly went for just $400,000
— Greggertruck (@greggertruck) October 8, 2023
Here is some of the auction!!! pic.twitter.com/YPrweLxG9c
