Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
Albinas Kalinauskas, a skilled technician-electromechanic originally from the Šilutė district in Lithuania, created the AlReKas, an 8-seater custom-built car, out of necessity and ingenuity. After moving to Alytus and starting a family, Kalinauskas found himself wanting a large vehicle for family trips. In the restrictive Soviet system, where access to vehicles like the RAF 2203 minibus was limited, Kalinauskas decided to construct a car himself. The ambitious project, which began in 1989, took six years to complete and was finally registered in 1995.
The AlReKas was meticulously planned and constructed in a modest 20-square-meter garage. Kalinauskas demonstrated exceptional diligence and precision, designing every detail of the car, including its frame, which was inspired by the RAF minibus. Using tools available to an ordinary citizen, he employed a simple hacksaw, electrodes for welding, and even a jack to shape the body parts. While some components, like the windshield, headlights, and front seats (borrowed from an Audi 100), were sourced externally, the majority of parts were designed and assembled by Kalinauskas himself.
The vehicle's technical features reflected both practicality and ingenuity. Originally equipped with a GAZ-24 engine, it was later upgraded to a diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz, offering better fuel efficiency and reliability for long family trips. With a length of 4,400 mm, a width of 1,800 mm, and a height of 1,900 mm, the AlReKas included thoughtful touches like two fuel tanks (30 and 45 liters), a 30-liter water tank, and a foldable third-row seat that could transform into a bed.
Testing the AlReKas was a community affair. Kalinauskas would conduct braking, cornering, and chassis tests on his street, often with the cooperation of Alytus police officers, who would temporarily close the road. This dedication ensured the vehicle's functionality and safety, akin to professional car factory standards.
The name “AlReKas” pays tribute to Kalinauskas’ family, combining the initials of his and his wife’s surnames. The vehicle, with its distinctive license plates BAD999, is a testament to Kalinauskas' creativity, hard work, and resourcefulness. The sole production unit stands as a remarkable example of determination and innovation in the face of constraints.
To explore more incredible stories of self-made cars and their creators, visit One-Off Cars Section.
