To preserve the life of classic cars before global emissions bans begin in 2025, Zero Labs recently unveiled its Classic Electric Platform that will convert any gas-guzzler into a zero-emissions car. Using this platform, it took Zero Labs just 24 hours to convert a rusty old Ford Bronco into an electric SUV. Electric restomods are becoming increasingly popular, resulting in creations like the world's first Tesla-powered Range Rover that we recently took for a test drive.

YouTube channel Rich Rebuilds is taking the opposite approach by building the world's first V8-powered Tesla. This has never been done before, although you could argue it's a step backwards rather than forwards,

We've been tracking the progress of this unique build since last year, and now the project has reached a significant milestone.

The donor car is a totaled Tesla Model S that was stripped out to make way for a naturally-aspirated, 426-hp 6.2-liter V8 from a scrapped Chevrolet Camaro. Since there's no battery pack, additional aluminum welding was added to strengthen the chassis. Earlier this year, a six-speed manual was fitted, and now the project, affectionally known as ICE-T (internal combustion engine Tesla) is getting closer to completion. To test the engine, the resourceful team created a custom fuel system made with parts sourced from a Mazda MX-5 Miata and Corvette and a fuel tank from a bucket.

An oil filter also needed to be fitted - ironically, the team is so used to working with EVs that they forgot the combustion-powered Tesla needs to have an oil filter.

After filling it up with fuel, the team starts up the engine for the first time and the V8-powered Tesla roars into life. It's a proud moment until spilled fuel causes a small fire to erupt in the engine bay. For the next stage of the project, the team needs to install a custom driveshaft and axles, which we'll no doubt see in the next video. This is probably going to upset a lot of Tesla fans, but we're looking forward to seeing the world's first V8-powered Tesla hit the road and to see how it performs.