While we doubt any sane private buyer would care about owning a small Hyundai decked out with 'grass' bodywork and interior, a giant football and goal posts, we guess that a car dealer or a sports shop could use the car as an attention grabber for their store.
In any case, one of Hyundai's two i10 2010 World Cup promotional cars has been put up for sale on eBay with all proceeds to benefit "BEN", an automotive industry charity in the UK for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependents.
The starting bid on eBay is £1,995, with Hyundai hoping that the final total will be at least double this when the auction ends at midday on Tuesday, August 10.
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From eBay Description:
HYUNDAI i10 WORLD CUP FOOTBALL CAR
Here's your chance to own a motoring masterpiece – one of only two Hyundai i10 football cars in the WORLD!
Built by Hyundai UK to celebrate the manufacturer's association with the 2010 World Cup, this 09-plate Hyundai city car has been modified to become one of the most unique machines you will ever see on the roads.
Produced by car artist Andy Saunders – a hugely talented modifier – the Hyundai i10 has 'grass' bodywork, a giant football on the roof and goal posts. Cool, eh?
THE CLARKSON CONNECTION
It doesn't just look cool, but has also had a celebrity past. This is one of two Hyundai i10s lent to Jeremy Clarkson for his 2009 video Duel.
In that video it was one of the cars raced by The Stig and Tiff Needell – so not only will you have one of the most unique looking cars on the roads, you'll also be bagging one that's got a famous background too!
THE CAR
Firstly, let's talk about the i10 – as under the 'make up' that's exactly what it is. Here are the facts:
09-plate Hyundai i10
ONLY 1,000 miles
1.2-litre petrol engine
Classic trim with electric windows, air conditioning, CD radio with MP3 and aux-in stereo
THE MODIFICATIONS
Football – this giant metal football has been inserted into the roof and bolted through it. Its position has restricted rear headroom, but hey, it's a giant football so you can't have everything.
Goal Posts – these are bolted in place, but can be removed. The net has to be tied back when driving.
Grass – the bodywork is covered in astro turf. Advantages? No washing and as it's astro turf, no cutting either.
Interior – the seats have been trimmed in plastic 'grass' coverings to a very high standard.
Dash – the dashboard has been painted white to match the theme. The door cards have a green grass effect and there are some size 8.5 'air freshener' boots hanging from the mirror.
Headrests – the rear headrests are three footballs. Don't try to kick them though. You'll hurt yourself.
Wing mirrors – these are made from football boots too. To be honest they're pretty useless at helping you see behind, but they look cool!
Tinted windows – Come on, be honest, you've always wanted tinted windows, but have never had the bottle to do it. Well now you can have a car with it done already. And they're green too! Don't say you're not impressed…
WHY BUY IT?
The car has been produced to impeccable standards and really is a total masterpiece. Everyone stops and stares at the car – and as an advertising hoarding it's second to none.
We won't tell you who should buy it – but we're thinking football clubs, sports shops, sports bars or cafes, or car dealerships with a football connection could all get a huge amount of value out of this car.
IS IT ROAD LEGAL?
Andy Saunders, who built the car, is also an MOT tester and he believes the only thing that would be questionable is the net and the wing mirror boots – as they still have their studs on them. Both are easily removable. As the car is an 09-plate it does not need an MOT for another two years.
The car drives perfectly well and the ball and goal posts are no different to having something on a roof rack or a pickup-style rear bars as seen driven by your local builder.
There is a warning light on the dash which is for the side airbags. These have been disabled as they are in the sides of the seats which have been re-upholstered. The other airbags still work correctly.
CHEAP CAR
There may be some of you out there that may simply be after a very cheap, 09-plate, 1000-mile Hyundai i10. We don't blame you. After all, this i10 – although it would be somewhat of a shame – could be just that.
All you'd need to do is remove the goal posts, and the ball – repair the hole left behind with a sunroof (easily done), find some new wing mirrors and away you go. Yes, it may still have grass on it – but at least you won't have to worry about parking dents in the doors…
CHARITY
This car is being sold as part of a charity challenge by Car Dealer Magazine which is attempting to trade up from nothing to a Porsche 911 by the end of the year. Once the Porsche has been sold, all the money raised will be handed to BEN (www.ben.org.uk), an automotive industry charity as a donation.
That means not only will you be buying a totally unique car with an amazing history – but you'll also be helping out a good cause too! You may even go to heaven… (but I can't guarantee that last part).
The car can be viewed at any time. We're based in Gosport, Hampshire.
Happy bidding!
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