Car modifications can be a bit of a minefield when knowing what you are and aren’t allowed to do. But, this Victorian man surely would’ve known he crossed the blurred line of mods.
Victoria Police observed a man in a BMW 3 Series E36 driving down Greaves Road, Cranbourne North, around 3:15 on 21 July 2025 without a bonnet.
“Police thought they were seeing things when they first spotted the topless burgundy BMW on Greaves Road,” said Victoria Police.
“They pulled the male driver over and saw the bonnet was gone, completely exposing the engine. With no idea where he’d popped the hood, Police took a closer inspection of the vehicle.”
This is where police uncovered possibly one of the oddest vehicle modifications ever.
“Police noticed strange seat cushions, and soon realised the front seats had been removed and he was sat on a plastic garden chair.”
Granted, the man had his seatbelt on, but the plastic lawn chair would provide no support in the event of an accident, given it wasn’t bolted down despite having double cushions for comfort.
Among other defects, police found that the vehicle was fitted with no other seats, just like a race car. This motorist took weight reduction to the next level.
The defect garnered a few entertaining comments online, with many not believing their eyes that someone could get away with such an obvious roadworthy issue.
“What a convenient feature – going to the beach, mate's place for a BBQ, etc, chair already packed,” said one user.
“It's about as roadworthy as the roads,” said another.
“70 and he was still trying to finish his project car,” joked one user.
All jokes aside, fitting your vehicle with aftermarket seats is one of the modifications that does require an engineering certification due to being safety equipment.
Having non-compliant seats can be just as bad as not wearing a seatbelt. In the event of an accident, you want them to be sturdy and keep you securely held in the car; any movement could send you flying.
Police said that the man, in his late 60s, was issued a defect notice and is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences, likely incurring the “defective seating" fine that carries three demerit points.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
