We've seen highly-valued classic cars that have fallen into a state of disrepair before, but this one might be the best example yet - or worst - depending on how you look at it.
It is - or was - a 1937 Talbot BI 105 Airline Saloon. Just 97 were made and few remain in existence today. This one toes the line of being one of the few to 'live' on - some may look at it as scrap that's been strapped-together in a DIY bodge job.
That's because many of the body panels and interior parts are held together with cable ties. But despite the far-from-roadworthy condition, this classic car is set to sell for $55,500 when it goes under the hammer next month.
The Talbot will be offered by H&H Classics at its Imperial War Museum Duxford sale on 15 November with what seems to be an optimistic valuation of $37,000 to $55,500.
This Talbot might be a pre-war model but it also looks like it has borne the brunt of many years in battle.
And whoever is brave enough to make an offer looks to have their work cut out bringing it back to its former glory. Although the description of the car says it is 'believed to include most parts to finish', that statement doesn't exactly fill us with confidence.
The last person to attempt restoring the car gave up some three decades or so ago.
According to the listing, the last attempted rebuilt was aborted in the 1980s with the vehicle remaining in this bit-part state ever since.
That means the engine hasn't run for around 30 years - that's some time for the free-revving 3.0-litre straight-six motor to go without turning over.
Not that the car is in any fit shape to be driven anywhere right now - we spotted no less than 12 cable ties holding bodywork in place on the outside and a couple keeping the dashboard and passenger-side door panel in situ.
But despite all the issues, it could still spark the interest of buyers.
In fact, the current owner has retained the vehicle since 2009, with every intention of refurbishing it back to the original condition.
However, it seems they didn't get far - or anywhere - with the revamp, though the cable-tied body does at least give an impression of what the car should look like when it's complete - it's better than a few pictures of a pile of parts spread across the floor.
'This fascinating project has been in the current ownership for the past eight years following its acquisition from Birmingham coachbuilder Jack Castle,' H&H's description claimed.
'The vendor has now reluctantly decided that family commitments will prevent him from lavishing the time and attention required to restore the car.'
Rarity will be the big selling point, especially as fewer than 100 examples were ever made in a bid to rival giants of the generation like Alvis, Bentley and Lagonda, and the fact it is one of a 'tiny handful' of surviving cars could see its appeal overshadow the dilapidated condition.
Still, it will take plenty of gumption - and hours, and money - to take this project on.
Talbot cars
-Daily Mail
