If a wild, crazed South African runs up to you, screaming about visions of the future, tubetravel, and a free Tesla Model X, we’re hear to tell you that you should believe him. Maybe. Hopefully. But in all seriousness, Tesla’s said it’s actually prepared to give you a free Model X, if you meet the right conditions.
You might think the most powerful person in politics is the President, but you’d be wrong. The most powerful people in politics are known as “bundlers,” because they can not only make contributions themselves, but cajole other people in contributing as well. For their work, they can be rewarded with plum posts, like ambassadorships to the Bahamas. Elon Musk isn’t at the level of naming people as ambassadors yet, however, so for the one special few who can cajole other people into buying a Tesla Model S (and quickly), they’re going to get one of their own.
The announcement of a free be-gullwinged Model X came along with the announcement of the Tesla Referral Program, but here’s the relevant part of the email Musk & Co. sent to Tesla customers (emphasis mine):
If five of your friends order a Model S, you and a guest will receive an invitation to tour the Gigafactory in Nevada – the world’s biggest factory by footprint – and attend the grand opening party. This will be awesome. At ten orders, you get the right to purchase a Founder Series Model X, which is not available to the public, with all options free (value of about $25,000). The first person to reach ten will get the entire car for free.
Easy peasy then. Assuming a Model X sets you back around $90,000, all you have to do is convince ten other people to buy one, hastily, for $90,000, providing nearly a million dollars in business for Tesla if they all throw in some options. Which is sort of odd, considering the company’s already received at least 20,000 orders for one.
Though if you’re the sort of person who has ten friends all willing to throw down $90,000 on an impulse, you might not be the sort of person who also needs a free Model X.
But it’s out there. Last we heard the grand prize hasn’t been claimed yet. Could be you. And your ten wealthy friends.
Contact the author at ballaban@jalopnik.com.
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