Who needs a Cybercab when you can get VW for a billion

Even though the XL1’s design dates back to the early 2000s, it still looks futuristic

The Volkswagen XL1 is the culmination of a decade-long project within Volkswagen to create a vehicle that uses just 1 liter of diesel per 100 kilometers or achieves an insane 235.2 mpg. Despite being over 10 years old, the XL1 still looks like something straight out of a sci-fi future. In fact, even Tesla seems to have drawn design inspiration from the XL1 when building its futuristic Cybercab.

Volkswagen first previewed its ultra-efficient models in 2002, launching a small two-seat model called the 1L that weighed just 290 kilograms (639 pounds). Seven years later, it unveiled the L1, another concept with a fighter-jet-style cockpit and a preview of the eventual XL1.

The production version made its grand debut at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show. Although Volkswagen invested a staggering €1 billion (approximately $1.1 billion) in the project, their production was limited to 250 units, of which only 200 were sold to the public at a price of €111,000 each.

Read: 5 surprising similarities between Tesla Cybercab and Volkswagen XL1

Given how few XL1s were produced, used cars rarely come on sale, but one has just gone on sale in the UK, with an asking price of £69,950 (approximately $90,800) at Piston Heads. It is one of 26 pieces sold in the UK and has only been owned by one person. It is No. 148 of 200 customer cars produced, has traveled 12,500 miles (approximately 20,100 kilometers), and has participated in more than 150 car shows.

It’s safe to say that the XL1 was well ahead of its time, not only because of its ultra-efficient powertrain, but also because of its exterior and interior design. The front end features eye-catching LED daytime running lights, and VW has equipped the model with supercar-inspired butterfly doors. It also doesn’t have traditional rearview mirrors, instead using cameras, a feature that’s only starting to be included on a handful of new cars.

Powering the two-seater is an 800 cc two-cylinder diesel engine with 47 hp and an electric motor with 27 hp, for a total of 68 hp and 100 lb-ft (140 Nm) of torque. The engine is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels.

If this engineering unicorn piques your interest, why not take a closer look? Visit Piston Head full list—This might just be your chance to own a piece of automotive history, and trust us, cars like this don’t come around very often.

Photo piston head