Flying cars have been in development for the majority of the 21st century, with Moller International's original M400 Skycar first demonstrated back in 2001. Having invested some $150 million over the past 30 years in developing the engine and airframe technology necessary to create a bona fide flying car, the M400 Skycar has since been superseded by the hybrid Skycar 400, which means the original prototype has become surplus to requirements. So the company is attempting to flog it on eBay.

With a minimum starting bid of $1 million and a Buy It Now price of $5 million, the flying car is up for auction with a public or private museum its most likely destination. While the M400 is capable of taking off and landing vertically, with eight Rotapower engines producing a combined 700 horsepower, which is enough to get the Skycar airborne (as demonstrated in the video), unfortunately it isn't certified to fly. In fact, one of the conditions of the sale is that the new owner will not fly the M400. That is, however, until the buyer makes it the first FAA-approved flying car, something that Moller International will help them with.

Presumably that means ensuring the Skycar can travel a certain distance and at a certain speed while airborne, and that it can also perform admirably when on the ground. Currently, there's no evidence or information that this is even possible. Those silly little wheels suggests driving isn't one of its strong points.

In recent years, there have been concerted efforts to create flying cars and there's a strong chance they will become mainstream in the next few decades. When that happens, the M400, widely regarded as the original flying car, will become highly sought after. So if you're someone with deep pockets looking for an interesting, automotive-based investment, what better than the first ever flying car?