Ananova:

A Dorset mechanic has invented a credit crunch version of the Hummer - to cope with soaring fuel prices.

Andy Saunders, 45, from Poole, turned a 1998 Suzuki Wagon into a more economic version of the off-road gas guzzler.

The Hummer, made famous by celebrities such as David Beckham, is the latest victim of rising fuel prices with General Motors scaling down production.

Mr Saunders wanted something with the same attitude but at a fraction of the price.

He said: "What is the point of having something which only does 12mpg when you can have something that looks just as cool and does 60mpg?

"I really wouldn't want to be driving a Hummer. You would just be throwing your salary away but if you can have something with the same attitude and the same look, this is the answer - the credit crunch Hummer."

Mr Saunders took the "old people carrier" and added custom built steel panels to get the look of the giant SUV which is designed around the army's Humvee personal troop transporter.

It took 300 hours and cost £3,500 on parts to create the customised car, which he has called the Alchemist "because it's a complete transformation".

He is hoping it will fetch £15,000 when it goes under the hammer in Battersea Park, London on 29 October.