- A Tesla Cybertruck that went viral on Reddit after being abandoned in Seattle is up for auction.
- This battered electric truck could return to the road but needs significant and costly repairs.
- Copart is auctioning several wrecked Cybertrucks, one already attracting a $20,000 bid.
The Tesla Cybertruck has been no stranger to controversy, but a crashed example that gained viral fame is now taking on a new role—as an auction lot. The battered EV will need some repairs, but it could return to the roads, provided someone is willing to foot the bill for the undoubtedly costly and lengthy repairs.
This particular Cybertruck first made headlines a few months ago when it was spotted abandoned on the side of a road in Seattle, sporting significant damage to its driver’s side rear wheel. What followed was a mix of digital and real-world antics: Reddit threads, a short-lived stint as a tourist attraction on Google Maps, and even local residents leaving flowers at its forlorn resting place.
Read: Sixth Time The Charm? Tesla Cybertruck Recalled Over Loss Of Drive Power
The viral moment ended in September when the vehicle was towed away, and now, as Jalopnik first uncovered, it’s landed at Copart’s North Seattle location, awaiting its next chapter.
What’s the Damage?
Details about the crash that sidelined this Cybertruck remain elusive, but the aftermath tells its own story. Evidently, one of the rear wheels has taken quite a hefty hit, and it’s been bent out of position, indicating there’s some serious suspension issues hidden from view. The accompanying fender has also been ripped from the car, leaving the charging port exposed.
Anyone interested in placing a bid on this Cybertruck would be wise to check it out in person beforehand. It’s possible that the vulnerable cast aluminum frame of the Tesla may have sustained structural compromise from the collision, and if that’s the case, it may be extremely costly to repair or replace.
Image Credit: Copart
A Growing Graveyard of Cybertrucks
Interestingly, this isn’t the only mangled Cybertruck up for grabs. Copart currently lists 11 other examples scattered across the U.S., many of which appear to have fared even worse than this Seattle star. Some of them appear to have more extensive damage than this one and yet are already attracting bids. One particular rough example (below) with severe structural compromise to the front, rear, and sides after a punishing crash had attracted a bid of over $20,000 at the time of writing.
