A DAD has converted his daughter’s hatchback into the UK’s “rustiest” car that runs on coal – and it even has a toilet.
The project took around four-and-a half years and consisted of using a grinder to scrape the paint off before starting the rusting process.
Martin Illsey, 56, a car velter from Washington, Sunderland, took his daughter’s Peugeot 108 and converted it into what he calls “the Rat Taxi”.
The Rat Taxi can run on coal, has a log burner, and even a toilet.
But Martin claims it is totally road-worthy and abides by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The hatchback was in pristine condition before Martin gave it a motor-makeover, but he argued his customers made him do it.
He explained: “I wasn’t going to do anything to it but my customers kept on saying it looked like a hairdresser’s car!”
To speed up the lengthy process of rusting the car, Martin reportedly used a spray mixture of salt, vinegar, peroxide and beer.
Everything else on the car was either given to him, or he already owned.
Martin revealed his business Rust to Riches is mobile and he carries out work all over the North-East.
He said: “People always want to ask about it or take pictures. Some people ask for a business card but they are mainly interested in the car.
“It’s crazy. People have said I should rent it out but I’m always busy in it.”
Martin also takes “the Rat Taxi” to shows across the country, even as far as Great Yarmouth.
And sleeping in the car is no issue, as the passenger seat area converts into a bed.
The dad-of-three explained: “I just rest my head near the dashboard.
“It’s good to get away with it for the weekends and that and chill with the lads. It’s my camper van, my works van and my car – all in one.”
Despite the car also being “dead reliable”, his wife has reservations.
But Martin know he would “regret” binning it.
One person took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the quirky car.
They said: “That’s a taxi? It belongs it a scrap yard.”
