We realize it may seem odd, but what we have here is special in its own right. Posted on Engine Swap Depot, we were surprised to see a 1936 Nash Lafayette swapped with a motor from a Japanese import.

With the Lafayette sitting with a coat of primer, the custom car looks to be fully gutted and resurrected with other intentions. Even fitted with Lexus wheels, this Lafayette has been rebuilt with plenty of Toyota and Lexus parts.

The drivetrain comes from a third-generation Toyota Soarer, or in North America the Lexus SC300 and SC400. Driven by an automatic transmission, the Lafayette has a 2.5-liter twin-turbo 1JZ-GTE transplanted under the hood, and a Torsen differential with 4.08 gears.

Built on a custom frame, the Lafayette is able to utilize front and rear independent suspension parts from various Lexus models and a third-generation Toyota Supra. Call it a rat rod, hot rod, street rod, or even drift car, this Lafayette is truly unique.

Complete with power steering and a custom aluminum driveshaft fabricated by Shaftmasters, this Lafayette has a power output of 280 horsepower. With all the rust removed and repaired on the Lafayette, this project is an eye opener to hot rod enthusiasts who usually settle for American muscle versus Japanese power in the engine bay.

With extensive fabrication and journeying outside the conventional box, we commend the builder of this Lafayette for making their vision a reality. What are your thoughts on this fully custom rod?

Do you consider this a certified rod or is it doing the hot rod community a disservice? Feel free to share a comment or two below.