You’ve seen it in Fast & Furious. Or maybe you’ve spent too many hours driving it in Forza. The Local Motors Rally Fighter is one of those rare machines that looks like it escaped from a high-budget sci-fi movie set, yet somehow has a license plate and a VIN. It’s a 430-horsepower, LS3-powered middle finger to traditional automotive manufacturing.
But here’s the thing. Finding a rally fighter car for sale in 2026 isn't as simple as rolling into a dealership.
The company that made them, Local Motors, basically vanished in early 2022. They didn’t just stop making the cars; the company ceased to exist. That means every single Rally Fighter out there—and there are only about 50 to 100 of them, depending on who you ask—is a certified unicorn. If you’re hunting for one, you’re not just buying a car. You're buying a piece of open-source history that requires a specific kind of "car guy" madness to own.
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The Price of Admission (and Why It Varies So Much)
Honestly, the market for these is all over the place. I’ve seen them go for $50,000 and I’ve seen them go for $120,000.
Why the gap? Well, these were built in "micro-factories" where the original owners actually helped assemble the car. Because of that "kit car" or "component car" status, the build quality can vary. Some owners were meticulous. Others... maybe weren't.
If you’re looking at a rally fighter car for sale today, expect to pay an average of around $83,000. Recent auctions at places like Mecum and Cars & Bids tell the story:
- A 2012 model with 11k miles recently saw a high bid of $62,000.
- A 2021 "final edition" model with only 60 miles on the clock fetched a massive $101,000 in late 2024.
- The record holder? A 2015 modified version that hit $120,000.
Basically, if the car has a "Fast & Furious" pedigree or ultra-low mileage, you’re looking at six figures. If it's been used as intended—jumping sand dunes and getting muddy—the price drops significantly.
Is It Actually a Good Car?
That depends on your definition of "good."
If "good" means it has a quiet cabin and Apple CarPlay, then no. It’s terrible. The interior is loud. The visibility is sort of like looking through a mail slot. It uses parts from a bunch of different cars—the taillights are from a Honda Civic, and the steering column is Ford F-150.
But if "good" means 18 inches of suspension travel in the front and 20 inches in the rear, it’s incredible. It’s a rear-wheel-drive beast. Most people assume it’s 4x4 because it’s lifted, but it’s actually a 4x2 setup. It was designed to fly across the desert at 90 mph, not crawl over rocks in Moab.
Performance Specs to Know:
- Engine: 6.2L GM LS3 V8 (The same one in a Corvette).
- Power: 430 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 4-speed GM 4L85-E automatic.
- Weight: About 3,800 lbs.
- Body: Fiberglass (meaning no rust, but it can crack if you're too wild).
What Most People Get Wrong About Buying One
People think that because Local Motors is gone, the cars are impossible to maintain. That’s actually a myth.
Since the Rally Fighter was built with "off-the-shelf" parts from GM, Ford, and Honda, you can get most mechanical parts at a local AutoZone. You don't need a specialized technician; any decent mechanic who knows their way around a Chevy V8 can fix the engine.
The real headache is the bodywork and the specialized chassis components. If you crack the fiberglass shell or bend a custom suspension arm, you can't just order a replacement from a website.
However, there is a silver lining. A shop called Anytime Auto Works in Temecula, California, is run by Buddy Crisp—the guy who was the lead builder at Local Motors. They still have the original molds and tooling. They are essentially the keepers of the Rally Fighter flame. If you buy one of these cars, put his number in your phone immediately.
Where to Look for a Rally Fighter Car for Sale
You won't find these on your local Craigslist. You have to watch the enthusiast auction sites like a hawk.
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- Cars & Bids: Doug DeMuro is a fan of these, so they pop up here more often than you'd think.
- Bring a Trailer: The gold standard for collector cars. Expect to pay a premium here.
- eBay Motors: Occasionally, a private seller will list one here, but be careful. Always get a pre-purchase inspection.
- Mecum/Barrett-Jackson: These are usually the high-end, "show quality" versions.
Actionable Advice for Potential Buyers
If you are seriously considering a rally fighter car for sale, do these three things before handing over the cash:
- Check the Title: Because these were kit cars, the titling can be weird. Some are titled as the year they were built, others as "Specially Constructed Vehicles." Make sure your state's DMV won't give you a nightmare when you try to register it.
- Inspect the Fiberglass: Look for stress cracks around the mounting points. It’s a sign the car has been jumped hard. There’s nothing wrong with a car that’s been used, but you should know what you’re getting into.
- Verify the Electronics: The wiring in some of the early-generation models can be... creative. Make sure the lights, AC, and windows actually work.
Owning a Rally Fighter is a commitment to being the center of attention every time you get gas. It's not a rational purchase. It’s a 430-hp toy for someone who wants a desert racer they can also drive to get a taco. If that's you, keep your alerts set for the next auction—they don't stay on the market long.