An individual created a 4×4 Honda Prelude by installing a second engine.

      Bent_Fender_Fab/Cars & Bids

      The French automaker Citroën created a four-wheel-drive version of the 2CV in the 1950s by adding a second engine in the trunk to drive the rear wheels. Fast-forward to 2025, and an enthusiast has implemented this intricate solution in a fifth-generation Honda Prelude. It looks incredible, is likely a thrill to drive, and is currently up for sale.

      While there are plenty of heavily modified Preludes available, the twin-engine model listed on Cars & Bids takes customization to another level. Starting with the basics: it boasts two engines. Up front, there is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and in the rear, there is an identical setup. The rear engine is placed transversely, requiring significant modifications to fit into the space typically used for cargo. The quarter panels have been fitted with air vents, the trunk floor has been removed, and a firewall separates the rear engine bay from the passenger area. This must have been quite the undertaking.

      But the modifications don’t stop there. The coupe is equipped with a custom tubular chassis, lowering springs, and a Wilwood brake bias adjustment system. Cars & Bids also notes that the car has a carbon fiber hood, fixed Lexan windows, and bucket seats with harnesses. Additionally, to reduce weight, the climate control system, power steering, and some interior panels have been removed.

      With its dual engines, part-time four-wheel drive, and extensive weight-reducing upgrades, this Prelude sounds like it could find its way into a Group B race if it were able to time travel back to the 1980s. It’s evident that considerable effort went into this build. Each engine comes with its own ECU and cooling system, and there’s a common 12-gallon fuel cell, allowing the Franken-Prelude to operate using just the front engine or both simultaneously. However, it appears you cannot deactivate the front engine to run it solely as a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

      It’s impressive, and I have many questions. What’s the driving experience like? Each engine produces 200 horsepower in stock form, so we can expect around 400 horsepower in total, not counting the enhancements. The additional engine will add weight while significantly altering the Prelude’s normally front-heavy weight distribution, suggesting that this is a truly unique handling car—especially considering it has two limited-slip differentials.

      Current bidding is at $12,000 with roughly two days remaining in the auction. If you happen to be the winning bidder, please reach out; we’d love to take a closer look.

      Sign up for The Drive Daily

      Get the latest car news, reviews, and features.

      Got tips? Send them to [email protected]