eBay Find of the Day: Caresto T6 Roadster, 2004 Hot Rod of the Year [w/video]

We have something of a hard time applying the term "hot rod" to the Caresto T6 R. The unusual Volvo-based retro one-off has simply transcended the art. Whereas most builders start with chassis manufactured by one of the illustrious Big Three, the T6 R is a clean-sheet design with a mid-engine turbocharged I6 swiped from the XC90 that puts power to the rear wheels via a five-speed Geartronic transmission. With a handcrafted aluminum body and a removable polycarbonate roof, the machine is better executed than most auto show concepts. We aren't alone in that assessment, either. Conceived by Leif Tufvesson, a former Volvo and Koeniggsegg development man, Hot Rod Magazine famously called this Caresto one of the "most spectacularly-crafted hot rods to ever grace the pages of this or any other magazine."

Big praise.

Now the Caresto T6 R is up for sale via the miracle of eBay Motors. The Swedish machine has racked up bids of over $23,000 as of the time of writing with just over three days left on the clock, though the reserve has yet to be met (and is probably far higher). If you're skittish about purchasing a vehicle based in Sweden, the seller assures would-be buyers that he'll be happy to help arrange shipping. You can check out the auction by cruising over to eBay Motors, and learn more about the Caresto and how it came to be by watching the Fifth Gear Europe video after the jump.