A ONE-of-a-kind three-wheel monster machine is set to sell for £30,000 when it is auctioned in Maldon.

The road legal Jike Trike – part motorbike, part car – was built back in 2012.

Around £50,000 was invested in the project which took more than 4,000 hours to complete.

The original owner created the 18ft hybrid vehicle from a 1992 Jaguar XJS which is powered by a 12 cylinder 5.3 litre engine.

The frame was handmade and the rear axel modified to accommodate the wide Chip Foose wheels.

Its current owner is now selling the trike through Essex Classic Car Auctions at an auction at the Crowne Plaza in Tolleshunt Knights in March.

Company director Graham Streeter said: “It is the only one in the whole world.

“It is nice to see British engineering is alive and kicking.

“It has seen a 5.3 litre Jaguar turned into a three wheeler – apart from the engine and gear box everything has been made.

“It is 18ft long – it is humongous.

“It is larger than life and you can’t look at it all in one go. You have to start one end and move along it. Every time you see it you see something different.

“We expect it to draw in a lot of interest.

“Some people spend over £1.5 million on a toy like a Ferrari and drive it once and then put it away but this is this completely unique.”

Mr Streeter said the trike had previously been used for weddings, proms and other events.

The auction, which will feature more than a hundred vehicles, takes place at the Crowne Plaza in Tolleshunt Knights on March 5.

To see lots visit essexclassiccarauctions.co.uk.