Every day, we see projects get posted for sale that are equal parts unique, fun, and mysterious. Usually, you can identify a logical train of thought that led the owner to build something no one has ever seen before. However, I can honestly say this is a first for me: an Opel GT powered by a Continental aircraft engine, with a custom nose panel that allows it to ride on skis. It doesn’t fly in the air, but I’m guessing it’s an absolute banshee on the ice. Which one of you has the stones to find out? Check out this Opel here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000.
Is that a good price? I honestly have no idea. In my opinion (which is worthless), you would need to assess the value of the Continental-sourced mill and what those are going for within the used aircraft component marketplace. The Opel itself is worthless as car given the front end has been whittled down to only run a single ski as a means of steering and gliding, so the body is just an accessory at this point. However, it looks shockingly well done for a completely custom job, and the mounting of the engine looks better than someone’s attempt on a beer-soaked Friday night.
What I’m getting at is there appears to be some level of actual engineering involved. A video of this thing ripping across a frozen lake should be a prerequisite for any for sale listing, but I understand the timing didn’t work out. The bodywork is, well, who cares, I guess? Does it even matter for a creation like this? Aside from actually piloting it in a sufficient environment, I’m not sure how to assess anything about its construction. The fact that it appears to have matching skis is impressive by itself, and I’m curious if those were custom-made or sourced from a random Snowcat.
Since there’s no longer a traditional engine, it makes sense that the gearbox is also gone. The video in the listing shows the engine firing up, and presumably, this would push you across the ice. I am far from an engineer, so this assessment is likely completely wrong. Regardless, this curious Opel GT deserves a chance to live the life its inventor intended, and so help me God, if the heater works – well, someone better buy this and get cracking on prepping it for wherever the ice freezes solid enough first. Have you ever seen a creation like this? How would you use it? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Kiwie49r this crazy find.
This is exactly what I DO NOT want or need or even look at.
Not even suitable as a lawn ornament.
You are absolutely right Al this is really cool. Probably pretty loud though