This 1997 Vector M12 is reportedly the second of just 14 built, excluding three or four pre-production prototypes. Though loosely based on an earlier Vector concept, the M12 was in essence a stretched and re-bodied Lamborghini Diablo underneath its fiberglass bodywork. The car had a troubled history, with poor management, quality control, press and other issues all contributing to a very limited production run. We love an interesting orphan however, and they don’t come much more special than this. Find it here on eBay in South River, New Jersey for $170k OBO.

Vector was always an unconventional company, one which had more than its share of ups and downs even prior to a hostile takeover by Indonesia-based Megatech in 1993. Originally based in California, founder Gerald Wiegart was born in Dearborn, Michigan and dreamed of building an all-American exotic sports car full of cutting-edge Aerospace tech. Check out an earlier BaT writeup on a 2,100-mile example of his iconic W8 here.

The M12 was far less interesting in terms of construction, trading the W8’s bonded-aluminum monocoque, honeycomb floor pan, and Kevlar and carbon fiber bodywork for a stretched Diablo chassis and fiberglass bodywork. The latter is loosely based on that of the AWX-3 prototype, which was designed by engineer Wiegart to replace the W8. Unfortunately, production never got off the ground, as Wiegart successfully sued Megatech for intellectual property rights to the design following their hostile takeover and firing of the founder. Two were built, one coupe and a roadster. We’ve seen the teal prototype in person when it used to be a regular attendee at the sadly defunct Irvine Cars & Coffee, and it’s quite impressive in person.

The interior of the yellow car gives up the prototype’s interesting three-abreast seating and once-traditional Vector mil-spec switchgear and control screen, instead opting for what looks like a mix of Lamborghini and other parts bin pieces–the Ford steering wheel for example. This car is said to have been fully restored nearly nine years ago, with work apparently including removal of the Lambo V12–see the ad’s full gallery. Blurry photos of some old correspondence between the previous owner and resto shop seem to say that wiring was done poorly from the factory, and it sounds like the entire dash was pulled in order to address this and other issues. Everything looks to be in good shape now however, and the Vector signature bisected side windows and jet throttle-style door release handles are cool.

It’s unusual (and somewhat disconcerting) to see a Lamborghini V12 under styled trim parts, but that’s how Megatech saw fit to dress the classic Bizarrinni-designed unit. Displacing 5.7 liters and good for 500 HP, these cars were reportedly good for sub 5-second 0-60 MPH runs, with a top speed just short of 190. As noted above, this one was removed during restoration, though why isn’t specifically addressed within the ad.

Unusual, rare, and exotic, it’s a very intriguing car despite its flaws–maybe even because of them.