No matter how custom or unique your vehicle is, someone has built their car the same way before. Or have they? When it comes to the Priapism by Sire Custom Performance, we’re not so sure. In fact, we’ve never seen anything like it. Check out the video above for a look at this unexpected vehicle.
Wanting to build something really cool and out of the ordinary, owner of Sire Custom Performance, Yannick Sire, decided to create a unique speed buggy out of left over parts in his shop back in 2009. The result is the completely custom fabricated Priapism, inspired by the twin-engine dragster once driven by John Peters called “Freight Train” and a proper attempt at meshing Indycar with rat rods.
Built with a 128-inch wheelbase, the Priapism features a custom chassis made out of 1 ¾-inch chrome-moly tubing. On top of that, Yannick built a caged frame 82.5 inches wide with plans to eventually create an aluminum body.
The flip-top roof was constructed from two VW Karmann Ghias and sits just 42 inches off the ground when shut.
The most noticeable thing about the Priapism is the two engines powering the beast. These engines are GM 350cui V8s coupled together with a highly modified rubber driveshaft coupler from a GTO. The engines are coupled at 45 degrees so that the same cylinders on each engine are fired consecutively. Both engines function of course, with starters on both, but all the accessories are run off the rear of the two engines so the car can function without the front engine.
Both engines feature AFR heads and hydraulic-roller camshafts, producing about 450hp each. Custom headers for the engines channel all eight exhaust tubes on each side into one collector, giving the Priapism an even more unique look.
Pushing the 900 ponies of the twin engines to the ground is a Turbo 400 transmission built by Mike’s Transmissions. This is controlled by a B&M shifter.
The rear suspension of the car consists of a Dana 60 axel with 3.54 gears, a three-link setup and a Watt’s link that is mounted unconventionally on top of the axel. The rear is complete with QA1 shocks and has 7 inches of travel.
The front suspension makes use of components from GM vehicles, including 2-inch drop spindles from a second-generation Camaro and 14-inch brakes from a Corvette Z06. The front also features custom unequal-length A-arms, QA1 coilovers and a rack-and-pinion pulled from a Subaru STI.
Weighing in at just 2,307 pounds, the speed buggy sits atop 20-inch BMW X5 SUV wheels with Continental rubber for extra grip. The bare-metal interior is minimalistic with twin Procar by Scat seats, Auto Meter gauges, Lokar pedals and a steering wheel from an old truck.
She may not have the glitz and glamour of a pristine hot rod, but the Priapism looks like one killer machine. Hit the drag strip, dirt track or road course with this bad boy, and we’re sure you’d have a blast.
Be sure to check out the Priapism build gallery that Sire Custom Peformance has on their website.
