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.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 3 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source 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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