Local Motors, the world's most prominent maker of 3D-printed cars, announced this week that it plans to offer pre-sales of its series of 3D printed models starting in spring 2016. It estimates the sticker price for the LM3D series, including the new Swim model seen above, to be around the $53,000 mark.

See also: Audi just 3D printed a mini 1936 Grand Prix race car

The dune-buggy-like 3D-printed cars will be manufactured in a "microfactory" currently under construction in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company anticipates the production facility to be completed by the end of 2015. There, cars will be constructed "using direct digital manufacturing (DDM), of which 3D-printing is a part," according to a company press release.

If Local Motors meets that targeted timeline, it should be able to begin delivering cars to customers in early 2017.

Ignoring the vast numbers of future promises and variables to this announcement, it's fairly significant. Although major carmakers like Audi are 3D printing things like 1:2-scale race car replicas for fun, Local Motors will be the first company to offer (at least partially) 3D-printed cars for sale to the public.

Some of you might notice that the $53,000 estimated purchase price for the new LM3D series is a bit higher than the (estimated) $18,000 Strait model we drove this. That's because the Swim — like the rest of the LM3D series — is a "fully homologated, highway ready car," a Local Motors told Mashable.

Regardless, it'll be interesting to see if Local Motors can keep its proposed timeline. It will be even more interesting to see how many people line up for a $53k 3D-printed car. After all, for that money, buyers can get a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Local Motors points out that the Swim a rapid iteration that showcases the advances the company has made. The final LM3D should have a lot more creature comforts that justify the sticker price. We'll have to wait and see.

Update: We added details about the Swim and the LM3D series.