In St. Petersburg, a group of enthusiasts decided to revive and reimagine the classic designs of earlier era, blending rugged ingenuity with playful experimentation. Their project began with an aged vehicle affectionately known as the Zakhar, or ZIL-157. Rather than restoring it in the traditional way, the builders reshaped the rear drive shafts and converted them into two working caterpillar tracks. The modification earned the machine the nickname half goose, a nod to its unusual stance and knocking together of old-school engineering with offbeat ambition.
Next, the craftsmen added a bold frontier of engineered solutions: skis fashioned from steel I-beams were mounted on the front wheels. With this trio of innovations, they set out to traverse not only open fields but also anything the terrain threw at them. It was a reminder that the landscape they chose to conquer often included snow, marsh, and uncertain ground, yet the team pressed onward. Even as the terrain proved treacherous, the largest snowmobile in their project roster stood up to the challenge and earned admiration for its audacious versatility.
Vote – win Lada!
A public poll accompanies the project, inviting viewers to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix and help determine the year’s standout car novelties. The intention is to celebrate creativity in automotive design while recognizing the experimental spirit that drives enthusiasts to push the limits of what a vehicle can become.
As a token of appreciation for participants, the organizers hold a small raffle. Three ferrets will be awarded to randomly selected respondents who complete the survey before the stated deadline. The offer underscores a community-minded approach, aiming to reward engagement and enthusiasm among gearheads and curious observers alike.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE
Video: YouTube / Polygon-98
Historical notes about the Zakhar project indicate a broader interest in how veteran vehicles can be reimagined with modern materials and practical engineering. The process blends hands-on skills with a sense of play, showing how a long-standing design language can be revitalized when builders dare to experiment. Observers are invited to consider not just the mechanics, but the mindset that drives such projects, where curiosity and resourcefulness often trump convention. The end result is a conversation about durability, adaptability, and the enduring appeal of vehicles that feel a little rebellious against their era. In this light, the Zakhar transformation becomes less about nostalgia and more about the potential that rises from daring, collaborative tinkering. [Source attribution: project documentation and participant interviews.]