Instead of building cars and selling them to dealers who hawk them to shoppers, Tesla wants to build only cars customers order — eliminating part of the auto industry's massive overhead costs in inventory. By selling its cars directly, Tesla's executives believe they can make their customers happy, and eventually sell more cars for less money.

A couple of things: Build to Order (BTO). Brilliant.

Second, the Newport Beach Tesla dealership? Gone. Replaced is the brilliant showroom of Fashion Island.

Third, yes, custom car.

Fourth, despite the $53k price tag the showroom betty quoted, the actual cost of a Tesla sedan that I want? $93k. Go figure.