The new owner of an ultra-rare Renault Twizy has guaranteed themselves traffic-stopping status on the road.
Sold by the Collecting Cars online platform, this is one of only five examples of the Formula 1-influenced Twizy.
With custom carbon fibre bodywork, wide wheels and bright green paint, the 2012 electric car commanded enough attention to sell for £27,500.
Paddock pleaser
Oakley Design was inspired by the one-off Renault Twizy F1, built as a promotional tool by the Renaultsport racing team.
Fitted with slick tyres and a KERS power boost system, it was often spotted being driven around F1 paddocks by Sebastian Vettel.
The five Twizys built by Oakley Design lack the slick rubber and KERS system, but still make use of motorsport-influenced parts.
A tarmac-scraping front spoiler is made from carbon fibre. The lightweight material is also used for the side skirts and huge rear spoiler.
Green, but not mean
The wing mirrors are said to be the same as those found on a 2015 Formula 1 racer, while the wheels are magnesium centre-lock items from a Formula 2 car.
However, the Twizy is unlikely to reach speeds that see its aerodynamic appendages producing real downforce.
A standard Twizy electric motor produces only 17hp, but an aftermarket tuning box has increased top speed to 60mph. This also allows the driver to switch between Eco, Normal and Sport modes.
Plug-in baby
For such an unusual creation, bidding was intense in the Collecting Cars auction. Some 49 bids were placed, before the new owner snagged the bright green Twizy for £27,500.
Although they will be able to charge from a regular domestic power socket, they will need to pay £55 to Renault each month for the lease of the battery. This does at least include a lifetime battery warranty.
We imagine the new owner is now enjoying avoiding the queues at petrol stations in their outlandish EV.
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