Hip is a rectangle. But you get the idea.
This could be the strangest car you ever see. This could be the most bizarre car you’ve ever seen. It could even hold the crazy car Title at Motor1 for several months, at most, until we see a new project from Garage 54. This is a real deal, unlike all the rest.
The Consumer is the name of this vehicle. If you are a legacy Motor1 user, you might have seen it in our digital halls. In late 2016, we wrote about the Consumer, its creator, and noted abstract designer Joey Ruiter. This machine is fully functional and based on the 1993 Ford Festiva. The front wheels are driven by a 1.3-liter four cylinder, which is shifted manually via a five speed gearbox. The front clip is made of metal and tilts forward to allow engine access. However, the rear section is made from a plant-based material called Xorel.
The Consumer weighs in at just 1,250 pounds. This means that the Festiva powertrain isn’t too heavy to deal with. This means that there are no creature comforts such as heated seats, stereos, or doors. It is street legal if it has seat belts and mirrors. It is important to note that the auction listing does not state whether it is legal in every area. Bidders should check their local laws before taking to the roads.
Did we just say auction? The Consumer is currently front and center at Cars & Bids. It’s up to $6,000, with seven days left to go, as of this article being posted on March 12. The mileage is not listed because there is no odometer. However, photos show the black box in excellent condition. The car was on display at Petersen Automotive Museum until March 2020. However, the winning bidder will not be dealing directly with Ruiter at auction. The current seller is listed as a dealer. He purchased the car in February 2021.
Ruiter has created a few unique machines over the years but getting a chance at one is not something that happens often. Is there any guess as to the final bid price? The auction closes March 19.