Tesla’s Design Chief Gives Model S Plaid Signature #001 a Protective Makeover, Not a Tune

Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s design boss since 2008, owns the Model S Plaid Signature Edition chassis #001, the very first one off the line. Instead of getting it tuned, he took the special EV to Unplugged Performance in California for protection, not performance upgrades.

The car received paint protection film, ceramic coating, and window tints. The process started with a chemical decontamination wash to remove transport residue, then parts of the exterior were disassembled so the film could be applied without visible seams. According to Unplugged Performance, the film acts as a barrier against stone chips and scratches, shielding the factory paint.

After that, technicians applied a full ceramic treatment to every panel and trim piece, adding hydrophobic properties that repel dirt and deepen the paint’s gloss. Finally, all glass surfaces got a window film blocking 99% of UV radiation and 98% of infrared heat, protecting the interior from sun damage.

The Model S Plaid Signature Edition launched earlier this year as a farewell special, limited to 250 units by invitation at $159,420 each. It uses the same tri-motor setup as the regular Plaid, producing 1,020 hp, with unique touches like Garnet Red paint, gold emblems, 21-inch Velarium wheels with gold calipers, carbon-ceramic brakes, white Alcantara upholstery, a yoke steering wheel, and Signature branding.

This isn’t the first time von Holzhausen brought a personal car to Unplugged Performance, years ago, he had his Model 3 fitted with coilover suspension, sway bars, adjustable arms, and carbon-ceramic brakes, again leaving the bodywork untouched.