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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Tesla Model S Valentino

2016

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
2016
Body style
Berlina
Engine
Electric
Type
One-off
Production
1

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Tesla Model S “Valentino” by Mole Costruzione Artigianale is a one-off, coachbuilt electric vehicle based on the Tesla Model S dual-motor platform. The vehicle was unveiled at the Parco Valentino Salone dell’Auto in Turin in 2016. It was developed under the direction of Umberto Palermo and his atelier Mole Costruzione Artigianale, a division of UP Design, known for producing highly individualised interpretations of contemporary automobile platforms. The underlying mechanicals remained those of the standard Tesla Model S with dual-motor configuration. It featured an electric drivetrain producing approximately 315 kW (421 horsepower) and 600 Nm of torque. Power was transmitted through a single-speed reduction gear to the rear axle. The vehicle retained its lithium-ion battery pack, offering a driving range of approximately 500 kilometres under typical conditions. No modifications were made to the Tesla’s electric propulsion system, charging hardware, or performance electronics. The exterior bodywork was entirely reimagined and constructed in carbon fibre. The design introduced a bespoke front fascia with Y-shaped intake graphics, a revised rear diffuser, and custom light units incorporating red LED motifs. The proportions of the donor car were altered through the use of wider fenders and a lowered stance. The visual language, while aggressive, maintained symmetry and precision in surfacing. The interior was trimmed in white leather by Foglizzo, with red accent detailing and embroidered motifs. Dashboard and console elements were refinished to align with the new upholstery and exterior colour palette. Instrumentation remained standard, governed by Tesla’s proprietary infotainment and vehicle control systems. Only one unit of the Tesla Model S Valentino was constructed. The vehicle was not homologated for series production, nor were any further commissions confirmed. The single example remained in the custody of Mole Costruzione Artigianale following its debut.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
One-off

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
Electric

Design & manufacture

Designer · Candidate
Umberto Palermo
Design Studio · Documented
Mole
Manufacturer · Documented
Tesla

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Motor1 Italia — Tutto su Mole Costruzione Artigianale it.motor1.com Specialist automotive history
Auto Tecnica — Umberto Palermo: da UP Design a Mole Automobiles www.autotecnica.org Contemporary designer interview

THE CONVERSATION

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