Having followed Tesla since soon after the 'Launch' in 2006 I finally got to see one in real-life at the Australian Electric Vehicle Open Day in Canberra about 4 hour drive from where I live.
AEVA Canberra - National Electric Vehicle Festival - 4 October 2009
It surprised me at how low the car looked, even in comparison with a Lotus Elise of which there are a few in Australia. I think it's the lower front styling and the extra length of the Tesla that makes it appear so low. The Elise on the other hand does not look as low probably due to the buggy upright headlights.
The car is still left hand drive and unregistered. I got to talk to the Owner Simon and he tells me that it is currently in Australia on an Exhibition and Testing permit which he is currently trying to convert to permanent status. So his decision to convert it is waiting on the result of this application. Also he has ordered a right hand drive one when they are available next year.
He has entered the car "global Green Challenge" at the end of this month from Darwin to Adelaide which is 3000KM or about 1850miles North to South through the 'Red Centre' of Australia.
Global Green Challenge / Route Maps
I haven't figured out how to embed pictures so here is a link instead.
http://cid-c0ed087af25f7e4c.skydrive...MtUDYNOmjts%24
Linear Mode
