At the time of writing this article, 2021 is almost over and we are all thinking about awesome gifts, whether it’s for ourselves or for our close ones. With this in mind, a strange vehicle has recently come up for sale on eBay – a 2004 Ford Avanti.

You would be forgiven for not remembering the Ford Avanti, as a little over 350 were built, in total. Out of those only 50 were based on the fourth-generation Ford Mustang (like the one here), while the rest were based on a Pontiac Firebird Trans AM or Formula. Even more surprising is the fact that the project was not undertaken by some custom shop, but from Avanti Motor Corporation itself, according to Theavanti registry. The project was axed in 2007.

This particular one is finished in yellow and it’s a convertible. While the SN95 connection is obvious, the front end has been redesigned completely, so it now resembles the original Avanti from the 1960s. Back then, the Avanti was one of the fastest cars, ever produced, with a top speed of 178 mph (286 km/h), thanks to a supercharged, 4.7-liter V-8 that made 284 horsepower at 4,800 RPM and 332 pound-feet (450 Nm) at 3,000 RPM. There was also a normally-aspirated version that produced 240 horsepower.

This particular Ford Avanti is powered by a 4.6-liter V-8 that makes 260 horsepower and 302 pound-feet (409 Nm). Power is sent to the rear through a four-speed automatic.

Looking at it from the front, you can actually mistake it for an Avanti. It’s the same deal at the back, where the entire rear has been redesigned and new thin headlights have been installed. The interior has also experienced changes, but is still very much recognizable as an SN95 Mustang.

The listing suggests that this is “one of only five built in 2005”. Of course, due diligence is advised when considering a purchase like this. For what it’s worth, the VIN number corresponds to a 2004 Ford Mustang GT. Even if it is one of only five, built in 2005, we are still not sure about the $58,988 asking price, but they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As far as obscure cars go, it’s certainly one of the more unexpected ones.