Tesla is days away from closing the book on two of its most iconic vehicles. According to reporter Sawyer Merritt, Model S and Model X Signature Edition production is now well underway, with the official delivery event locked in for next Tuesday — May 12, 2026 — at the Fremont factory. It's an invite-only celebration Tesla is calling the 'first of the last deliveries,' and with only 350 units in existence, it may be the most exclusive Tesla event in the company's history.
End of an Era
Tesla stopped accepting custom orders for the Model S and Model X at the end of March 2026. The Signature Edition represents the final production run for both platforms — 250 units of the Model S and 100 units of the Model X, totaling just 350 vehicles worldwide. The Model X Signature is already sold out, and Model S availability is reportedly nearing its limit.
After the deliveries wrap, the Fremont production lines that built these cars for over a decade will be retooled to manufacture Optimus humanoid robots and other mass-market projects. The shift is a vivid illustration of where Tesla's priorities now lie — but it doesn't make the farewell any less significant for the owners who've followed these platforms from the beginning.
What Makes the Signature Edition Different
Tesla didn't just slap a badge on the last units off the line. The Signature Edition is a genuinely distinct vehicle with bespoke details throughout. Here's what sets it apart:
- Exterior: Exclusive 'Garnet Red' paint, gold Tesla 'T' badges front and rear, gold Plaid badge on the trunk lid
- Interior: White cabin with gold piping, Alcantara accents, Signature-marked door sills, and a numbered dashboard plate (e.g., 1/250)
- Lighting: Gold Plaid puddle lights and a special interior lighting sequence unique to this edition
- Brakes: The Model S Signature gets carbon ceramic brakes with gold calipers; the Model X retains standard red Plaid calipers
- Wheels: 21-inch wheels on the Model S, 22-inch wheels on the Model X
- Steering: Yoke steering wheel standard on both, along with a Signature Edition key fob
Pricing reflects the exclusivity. The Model X Signature Series Plaid comes in at $159,420, with Model S Signature pricing expected around $155,000, according to verified reports.
The Fine Print Buyers Agreed To
This isn't a vehicle you can flip. Buyers signed a one-year no-resale agreement and granted Tesla the right of first refusal on any future sale — a condition that underscores Tesla's intent to keep these cars in the hands of genuine enthusiasts rather than speculators.
On the upside, every Signature Edition comes with a 'Luxe Package' that includes Lifetime Supercharging, Full Self-Driving (Supervised), four years of Premium Service, and Premium Connectivity. None of these benefits transfer to a subsequent owner, which further reinforces the no-flip clause.
What Happens to Fremont Next
The May 12 event isn't just a delivery ceremony — it's a factory milestone. Once the last Signature units roll out, Tesla will begin converting those production lines for Optimus manufacturing. It's a transition that captures the company's current trajectory in a single image: the end of the premium sedan and SUV era making room for the robotics era.
For the 350 owners receiving their vehicles next Tuesday, that context makes the moment even more meaningful. These aren't just the last Model S and Model X units — they're the last cars ever built on those lines, full stop.
Marcus covers Tesla's software releases, FSD rollouts, and OTA changes. Background in automotive engineering. Based in Austin.
Sources verified at publish time. Spotted an inaccuracy? Email editorial@basenor.com.
