US firm Local Motors creates 3D printed car

A US company has produced a two-seat neighbourhood car created on a 3D printer, and plans to put it on sale later in the year.

Local Motors has launched the Strati, an electric-powered 3D printed car. (Facebook: Local Motors)

A 3D printed car could be in your driveway sooner than you think.

American company Local Motors plans to sell a 3D printed car, called the Strati, later this year. It's a two-seater that can go up to 40kph.

Local Motors prints the car's frame and panels out of carbon fibre-infused plastic on a machine that could fit in a single-car garage.

It takes about 44 hours to print one Strati. Then it's outfitted with an electric car battery, motor and suspension from French automaker Renault.

Local Motors CEO Jay Rogers says the Strati is the first of three vehicles Local Motors is planning to sell. He eventually hopes to make highway-legal cars.

Rogers says the Strati will sell for $US18,000 ($A19,475) to $30,000.