This project began with an idea that many would have dismissed as impossible—installing a 16-cylinder engine in a Lada. Not just any engine, though; the team combined 16 58cc chainsaw engines into a single power unit, resulting in a 928cc V-16 capable of producing a modest 74 horsepower. While that output might sound underwhelming compared to modern performance cars, the engineering effort behind the build is nothing short of staggering.

To accommodate the absurdly long V-16, Garage 54 had to perform extensive modifications to the Lada’s front end. The engine bay was stretched to a whopping 51.8 inches in length—nearly three times longer than the stock engine’s 18.5-inch dimensions. This required fabricating custom fenders, extending brake lines, and lengthening the steering shaft. No hood was added, of course; the exposed engine is the star of the show, and hiding it would be a crime against automotive creativity.

After assembling the behemoth and conducting a quick indoor test, the moment of truth arrived: would the V-16-powered Lada actually move? The answer was a resounding yes. The team took the car outside for its maiden road test, where it astonished everyone by propelling itself under its own power.

However, this isn’t a speed demon by any stretch of the imagination. The Lada managed a top speed of just 37 miles per hour, taking an agonizing 26 seconds to get there. For comparison, the hypercar Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut can go from 0 to 250 mph and back to 0 in less time—just 27.83 seconds. But speed isn’t the point here. This project is about pushing the limits of creativity and demonstrating what’s possible with a bit of madness and mechanical know-how.

In a world dominated by high-tech supercars and advanced electric vehicles, the V-16-powered Lada stands as a glorious reminder of the joy of experimentation. It’s a testament to the spirit of DIY innovation, where practicality takes a back seat to audacity. Sure, this Lada is hilariously slow and entirely impractical for modern roads, but that’s part of its charm.

Garage 54 has built its reputation on wacky projects like this, and each one showcases the team’s resourcefulness and mechanical expertise. From welding together two cars to create bizarre hybrids to this chainsaw-powered monstrosity, their work celebrates the art of unconventional engineering.

The V-16-powered Lada isn’t just a car; it’s a rolling piece of automotive absurdity. It may not break speed records or win races, but it does something far more important: it inspires. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of building something crazy in their garage, the Lada is proof that with enough determination (and a sense of humor), anything is possible.

So, here’s to Garage 54 and their V-16 Lada. May their creativity continue to inspire gearheads and tinkerers around the globe to think outside the box—and maybe grab a few chainsaws while they’re at it.