![](https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/02/tesla-1-copy.jpg?quality=85&w=1920)
![](https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/02/tesla-1-copy.jpg?quality=85&w=1920)
In many ways, insurance salvage auctions are the great equalizer in the automotive world. No matter how important, how anticipated, how advanced a new car is, there will always be a first to fall to the scrappers—and become available to DIY-types at a steep, steep discount. So ask yourself, do you have what it takes to put this smashed-up Tesla Model 3 back together?
This particular Model 3 popped up on the Insurance Auto Auctions site this week with just 490 miles on the odometer following a head-on crash with a heavy-duty light pole in Redondo Beach, California. Its generous crumple zone may have spared the occupants from injury, but as a result the front end is entirely horseshoed and basically destroyed.
![message-editor%2F1517519853460-tesla7copy.jpg](https://s3.amazonaws.com/the-drive-staging/message-editor%2F1517519853460-tesla7copy.jpg)
A random YouTube vlogger happened to record a short clip showing the aftermath of the crash. It can be found here with the video cued in, but we’re warning you: Watch no more than 20 seconds unless you want to feel a deep-seated anger at kids these days fill you for the next few hours.
![message-editor%2F1517519913100-tesla5copy.jpg](https://s3.amazonaws.com/the-drive-staging/message-editor%2F1517519913100-tesla5copy.jpg)
The auction listing is light on details, but it does note that the much-hyped electric car no longer starts, though one picture shows the big interior information screen still works. We’re guessing there’s some not-insignificant drivetrain damage if it won’t start; at the very least, the next owner is probably looking at a new front axle. A shot of the VIN plate confirms the Model 3 was built back in the middle of December as chassis number 1,492 off the line.
![message-editor%2F1517520155128-tesla3copy.jpg](https://s3.amazonaws.com/the-drive-staging/message-editor%2F1517520155128-tesla3copy.jpg)
Losing it like this after just a few weeks is certainly unfortunate for the owner, who must have waited patiently for over a year and a half as one of the earliest Model 3 reservation holders. But their loss can be your gain, assuming the batteries are undamaged and speculators don’t drive up the price too much when the auction eventually gets under way.
![message-editor%2F1517520217998-tesla6copynew.jpg](https://s3.amazonaws.com/the-drive-staging/message-editor%2F1517520217998-tesla6copynew.jpg)
Of course, any buyer will have to face some tough math, because here’s no way this wreck can be brought back to showroom shape without spending a ridiculous amount that basically negates the entire concept of an entry-level electric car. So let’s get creative instead: Tesla Model 3 spec racing series, anyone?