BARBIE JEEP MODIFIED INTO WORKING VEHICLE TO SAVE MONEY

With fuel prices continuing to climb, one Georgia man has found a creative — and eye-catching — way to save money on transportation. Mali Hightower, a 30-year-old contractor from Ellenwood, transformed a discarded Barbie Dream Camper toy into a fully functioning mini vehicle.

After spotting the used toy on the side of the road, Hightower spent about two months modifying it. He mounted the camper body onto a go-kart frame, added a one-piston engine from a power washer, installed brakes, lights, horns, and even music. The result? A bright pink ride capable of reaching speeds up to 55 mph and traveling roughly 40 miles on a tank of fuel.

Hightower says the vehicle costs only about $3 to fill up, compared to nearly $90 for his Mercedes convertible. Locals know him for creating unusual inventions, including turning toy boats into real boats. While he enjoys the attention, Hightower jokingly advises others not to attempt similar projects themselves, saying there are plenty of other affordable transportation options available.