Project cars require a lot of effort and dedication. The heavily modified second-generation Toyota Celica owned by Daniel Railean showcased in this video is an excellent example of how years of hard work can create a strong bond between a person and their vehicle.

Railean’s interest in Celicas was sparked when his brother owned one. He was supposed to inherit the car, but it broke down before that could happen. Years later, Railean found the same Toyota for sale on eBay and decided to invest his entire savings of 750 pounds ($918 at current exchange rates) to purchase it.

However, the car was in a poor condition with significant rust. Railean has since transformed it into a BMW-powered drift car over several years. The car features an engine from an E46-generation 323i and a rear end from a 2011 3 Series. In addition, the steering column comes from a Renault Clio.

Although Railean didn’t disclose the output of the BMW engine, the stock version produces 168 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. These figures may not be impressive by modern standards, but they surpass the original Toyota 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which only produced around 100 hp. Furthermore, the valved exhaust on the current powerplant gives the car a distinctive, raw sound.

Railean faced challenges while working on the body of the car. For instance, he attempted to set up a paint shop in his shed, but his technique led a friend to take over the job out of frustration. Later, Railean opted to wrap many of the parts in carbon-kevlar.

The exterior design of the car is a mix of different inspirations. The tall rear wing was influenced by Railean’s admiration for the distinctive Porsches from Rauh-Welt Begriff. Additionally, the underbody neon was added because Railean liked the colorful look from the movie “The Fast and the Furious.”

Railean uses his classic Celica almost daily and often for drifting. The car attracts a lot of attention on the road, with bystanders approaching him to ask about the build. After putting in so much effort to create the vehicle, Railean appears to appreciate the recognition.