Scoop up this impenetrable and amphibious fortress with wheels for $16,000: act fast

Ladies, gentlemen and lovers of all things wild. Before you see nothing more than a 2021 Fat Truck 2.8C from Zeal Motors, and while it’s nothing new, what’s new and worth your attention is the fact that this motherfucker is currently up for grabs via Bring a Trailer for no more than $16,000. (€15,000 at the time of writing). Since these babies often sell for around $200,000 when new, I thought it would be a good idea to bring it to your attention, especially since once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

But before we get to this sweet deal, let’s find out a little more about this style of vehicle and the minds and hands behind the magic, none other than Fat Truck of Zeal Motor Inc., a Canadian crew currently supplying the world with this amazingly capable utilitarian vehicles, and last year they unveiled their latest generation of Fats. Although the one in question is a bit older today and possibly a bit worn, it is still worth attention.

First and foremost, this puppy has been used, with 509 hours on the operational odometer, so it’s been around quite a bit. Oh, it’s also offered for sale by a user named kenmyers and is currently sold in Choudrant, Louisiana, so you’ll have to travel to pick it up.

Photo: kenmyers via Bring a Trailer

From the outside we can clearly see that this beast is made for serious research. It’s not just the wheels and tires that give this impression – they’re built to provide buoyancy and propulsion through water – but as we move further through the bodywork we see a roll cage bolted directly into the chassis. Parts of that roll cage also extend into the interior, so be sure to check out this impenetrable fortress on wheels.

The exterior is then completed with aluminum panels, front and rear tow bars, a roof hatch and a central tire inflation system, not to mention LED lighting. Then there’s that underside, which, to be honest, is just sheets of steel, designed to keep this beast’s belly from tearing open while you’re outside, god knows where. Now for the things hidden underneath.

Starting with the powerhouse of this machine, it’s a 2.2-liter turbodiesel inline-four from Caterpillar that can produce 67 horsepower with a hydrostatic transmission and belt drive. AWD. Add in a ground clearance of 20.7 inches and you can climb or descend a 35-degree hill at a top land speed of 25 mph; it’s one of those slow and steady types of machines.

Photo: kenmyers via Bring a Trailer

From the engine compartment we go to the cockpit, where two seats await one or two drivers; a central joystick console allows steering and operation from either seat, and a digital display lets you keep an eye on essential systems. It has a reversing camera, along with buttons for windshield wipers, horns, hazard lights and an artificial horizon.

The reinforcement of that large casing belongs to nothing other than the passenger or cargo space. I’ve used ‘or’ to indicate that this space can serve both functions, so whether you’re carrying tools or cargo through the local landscape or taking a tour of the bayou, both can be accomplished here.

A total of six folding seats are integrated directly into the body, with only a headrest to lean against; it could definitely use some back support, because if you bump your spine against that metal cladding, it’s bound to be a bit painful. All of this brings me to my last and final point regarding this deal of a lifetime.

Photo: kenmyers via Bring a Trailer

It looks like some parts of this 2.8C could use some attention. I would definitely consider knocking some of that rust off the engine and cleaning up the interior a bit; Those backrests are a must.

When it’s all said and done, you’ll certainly have lost a few thousand more on this deal of the decade, but think of what you’ll have accomplished. Not only are these puppies indispensable in various fields, but you should actually be able to turn something like this into a side job to bring in some extra money on the weekend.

If all goes well, you might grab a whole fleet of 2.8Cs and turn your countryside into a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie, with herds of these things roaming around. However, it is better to act quickly; in five days (as of this writing) this deal will be over.