A man has been caught by police driving a car with no bonnet over the engine, and a plastic garden chair as the driver’s seat in Melbourne‘s southeast.

Officers spotted the burgundy BMW on Greaves Rd in Cranbourne North about 3.15pm on Monday.

When they pulled over the male driver, the officers realised the vehicle’s bonnet was completely gone, with the engine exposed to the elements.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Police then noticed all the seats had been removed, with the driver’s seat replaced with a plastic garden chair and a cushion.

The man had managed to buy some car mats which were placed on top of the stripped-back seats.

The 64-year-old driver told police he knew the car was not roadworthy and he was heading to get some new parts when he was pulled over.

His excuse was dismissed and he was issued with a defect notice and is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences.