Incredible flying cars: Barrett-Jackson will exhibit one at the January show.

You can always find something completely different at Barrett-Jackson's vast Scottsdale collector car auctions, so don't be surprised to see a vintage flying car in the 2020 catalog.

The 1954 Taylor Aerocar is one of only five built by Moulton Taylor, an aeronautical engineer with a lively imagination. According to the catalog description, the AeroCar is roadworthy and fully certified by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).

"The AeroCar is the quintessential flying car," the catalog states.

This unique flying car has been used both on the highway with 15,254 hours of driving time and in the air with 781 hours of flight time logged.

The rear-mounted 150 hp, 320 cid Lycoming H4 engine transmits power to the front wheels via a three-speed manual transmission when driving and to a Hartzell two-bladed HA12 UF pusher propeller mounted behind the tail wing when flying. The aero car has a range of 300 miles and a cruising speed of 100 mph.

This little two-seater can travel on the road towing an 8-foot trailer carrying wings and other flying equipment that can be attached for takeoff in less than 30 minutes, according to the catalog.

The AeroCar would be a great setup for commuter pilots. The trailer with wings and other equipment could be stored at the local airport, and Taylor could drive it home like a regular car.

The Museum of Flight in Seattle, which houses the AeroCar, describes the transformation from car to aircraft on its website.

"To prepare for flight, the driver/pilot first connects the tail drive shaft (by flipping the license plate over and connecting it). Then the wings are swiveled into position and secured with pins. The flight controls (movable steering wheel and rudder pedals) automatically slide into position. The engine cannot be started unless all connections are properly made, an ingenious safety device."

The Smithsonian Institution offers a video of a flying car from the 1950s.

The AeroCar will be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction at Westworld from January 11-19. However, bidding for the gem has begun, and the winning price is expected to soar.

For more information, visit the auction's website.

This article, written by Bob Golfen, originally appeared on ClassicCars.com, an editorial partner of Motor Authority.