Just the other day, I saw a dealer promo go-cart in the shape of a first-generation Subaru Brat. It was one of those moments of, “Oh, I need to own that,” followed by more sane thoughts about where I’d store it and what purpose it would actually serve, other than garage art. Still, oddities like this ’79 Mustang Pace Car go-cart clone here on eBay are fun to look at, and with enough square footage, make for some wicked man-cave decor. 

Of course, the bigger shock for me is how much these big kid’s toys trade for. The Subaru Brat model on craigslist was nearly four figures, and this Mustang’s bidding is already over $500 with more than six days on the auction left. I suppose I get it if you’re absolutely crazy about a certain model and need to have every special edition or scale version of your favorite car. Parking this one next to your life-sized Mustang would be a conversation-starter.

Despite being primarily for display purposes only, these custom carts usually do pack a respectable power plant for tooling around your driveway in. This Mustang has a 3 b.h.p. Briggs and Stratton, which can be serviced anywhere you’d take your lawnmower for seasonal maintenance. For putt-putting around your neighborhood, it’s all you’ll ever need. The seller claims this one runs just fine, so it won’t be a static display piece if you buy it.

Gas, steering, brakes. If only modern cars were this simple inside. I suppose if you’re a parent of extreme generosity, you might consider giving this to your son or daughter as a birthday present before they turn 16. I sure as heck would have been over the moon if my parents bought me one of these for my 14th birthday party. So, it’s either for the kid who has everything or the grown adult who has everything – no matter who gets it, these vintage go carts are both cool and pointless, and clearly a purchase that ignores all sense of logic. And there’s nothing wrong with that!