The user named “Graniteds” on the Tesla Motors Club forums told the company that he only had three to four months to live and that one of his last wishes was to enjoy the Model 3 – the customer had already preordered the car.

He posted: “Well, I’d love to see November deliveries! I have a terminal stage 4 cancer and have been told I may only 3-4 months to live.

“The last thing on my bucket list is our Model 3 and I’d like to have a few days to experience and enjoy it.

“I wonder if there is any flexibility in the queue?”

The Model 3 is currently a rarity among those who are not involved with Tesla or SpaceX with prices starting in the US from $35,000 (£26,000).

However, after the post was spotted by Bonnie Norman, an angel investor for Stack Lighting she forwarded the message onto a friend that works for Tesla.

Initially, Ms Norman wished for the stage 4 cancer sufferer to go for a test drive and asked a friend of hers if it was possible to be arranged.

She tweeted: “I asked Devina Singh, a friend who works for Tesla & owns a Model 3, if she'd show off her car so he could experience it at least.

“On 11/25, she was at his house, insisting he drive the car hard.”

Ms Norman then reached out to Tesla to see if the forum user could collect his delivery sooner than expected.

Two days after the test drive, the patient was given access to the Model 3 buyer’s configuration page where users are able to add last minute details to their order including adding enhanced autopilot, premium seats and a choice of colour.

Production of the Model 3 is currently limited with flexibility in queues being minimal - early reservation holders currently have delivery windows ranging from December to February.

On Friday, the patient from Grass Valley in California collected his car from Tesla’s Fremont delivery centre.

It was no ordinary transaction, with the forum user receiving a tour of the facility in addition to a goodie bag from the company.

The arrangements were hosted by Tesla’s president of sales and services, Jon McNeil.

Ms Norman tweeted: “So I have a special story to tell about this #TeslaModel3 delivery - now have permission - will post when through airport security.

“I had to convince him to give me his contact information.

"I'm not a scammer.

“HE TOOK DELIVERY TODAY!!!! And a huge crew turned out to make this a crazy special day.

“Private factory tour, intros around, everyone grinning to be part of this. No one from Tesla looking to publicise, everyone involved with the purest of intentions.

“Oh! And he and his wife have their new Model 3. Lots of tears around. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. My heart is full. Thanks everyone Tesla. Thanks especially to Tesla's Devina K Singh and Jon McNeill . We make an awesome team.”

Production on the Tesla Model 3 started in July 28 and can reach 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds.