World’s only Heuliez Intruder sells just short of $73k

Back in mid-1990s, French coachbuilder Heuliez unveiled the Intruder – a rather odd-looking SUV running on a Mercedes G-Class chassis with all-new bodywork and a retractable hard top. It has now changed hands for $72,800.

The original car debuted in 1996. Designer Marc Deschamps envisioned it with a stainless-steel body and a folding top. The chassis was sourced from a Mercedes-Benz G 320.

Although the company entertained production plans, it ended up only creating one such off-road convertible. It retained the donor’s 3.2-liter inline-six engine with 211 PS (208 hp / 155 kW), four-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system complete with a dual-range transfer case and all the diff locks. New springs in the suspension raised the ground clearance to a solid 305 mm (11.9 inches).

The car proceeded to tour various motor shows and ultimately landed at DK Engineering in Great Britain, where it underwent a complete restoration. The winning bidder got a number of photos, promotional brochures and other documents with their purchase.