SOME might call it a design masterpiece of the Eighties, others might describe it as coffin and hearse rolled into one.

If you’re more in the ‘masterpiece’ camp when it comes to this Hustler DIY kit car, which is made entirely of plywood and ash, then it could be yours for around £3,000 when it goes up for auction next month.

Former Rolls-Royce engineer and woodwork teacher John Brazier is reportedly selling his ‘labour of love’ – which could do up to 60mph  – as he hasn’t driven it for around 20 years, since the battery went flat.

And auctioneer Andrew Stowe, who will be flogging it at Auctioneum’s fine art, antiques and classic cars sale in Bath,  told the Guardian: “It is quite possibly the most amazing car I have ever seen. It’s like something from Thunderbirds.

“Everything is made to an incredible standard. Even the steering wheel and gear knob were handmade from wood. It was a real labour of love.

“Our client is keen to point out that it turned heads wherever he drove, and it was fondly nicknamed the Popemobile by local children.

“A wooden car could almost be something dreamt up by Elon Musk – a sustainable way to build cars, an eco-friendly alternative to the mass-production car plants of today. It was remarkably way ahead of its time. Who knows, in 30 years we may all be driving wooden cars.”

Image: Auctioneum

The unique vehicle was a kit car from designer William Towns of Gloucestershire, also known for designing the angular Aston Martin Lagonda.

Less than 400 Hustlers were produced by car enthusiasts, mostly with fibreglass.

Brazier, however, opted for wood, using Mini wheel subframes, an Austin Allegro engine and seats, and building everything else out of wood over three summers in the 1980s.

The 76-year-old, who also taught metalwork in Bristol and worked on Concorde, said: “I’d love to occasionally see it being driven around but I just hope it goes to a good home.”

He constructed the vehicle using water-resistant plywood and ash, dedicating his school summer breaks to the project. Despite a minor collision caused by a driver distracted by the site of the unusual vehicle, the wooden car proved itself resilient, its damaged bonnet easily restored by applying water and ironing out the dents.

“The wood just pops up again – you wouldn’t know it had been damaged.” Brazier said.

A car that you can fix with just an iron and watering can? Sounds like £3,000 well spent to us.