We have already discussed on many occasions that the automotive sector knows no limits. Although the regulations are currently much stricter, the truth is that it is still easy to find cars that break all acceleration records and also others with excessive prices. It could be the last chance to get hold of something the likes of “The Beast”, a copy created by John Dodd, which will be auctioned soon. And you don’t see a car with an airplane engine every day…
This vehicle has a very curious story behind it. The project would start with a custom chassis made by Paul Jameson in 1966. Initially he was going to carry a Meteor engine that came from a tank, but at that moment John Dodd crossed paths that became him. His initial task was to provide an automatic transmission for the vehicle, but he ultimately ended up buying the chassis and going ahead with the project on his own. contacted the specialist Fiberglass Repairs so that you make a custom body which was slightly inspired by the Ford Capri, albeit with much more exaggerated proportions.
The endless hood hid the 27-liter Meteor engine, but it was not for long. A fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle and John Dodd decided to apply an upgrade. I would wear a 27 liter Merlin V12 engine that it came from an airplane, properly adapted to work on “The Beast.” Along the way there were some other legal problems, since they had taken rolls royce grill and the British firm had not been very amused. Dodd cared little initially and kept the car hidden, but he later relented and changed that part.
Despite this, it is rather ironic that this car is legally entered as a Rolls-Royce on the register. The grille have the letters JD in honor of its creator and stands out for its long overhangs. The fiberglass is still in good condition today, as is its two-seater interior, which leaves a very generous cargo space. The front seats are bucket type and are upholstered in leather, while everything else is handcrafted, with a good number of analog controls and buttons.
“The Beast” entered the Guinness Book of Records in 1977 for its power. Although initially the 27-liter atmospheric Merlin V12 engine was around 750 hp, after a while its creator said that it was close to 1,000 hp. In fact, in a speed test it was verified that it reached 294.5 km/h. One of the keys in this specimen was the automatic transmission GM Turbo 400 modified for the occasion.
Interestingly, John Dodd got a lot of use out of this car until his death in 2022. It was quite common to see him in the United Kingdom and also in Spain, since he spent a few years living on the Costa del Sol (hence the fact that you see a RACE and a sticker on the rear window). At the moment accumulates 17,196 kilometers on the odometer and goes up for auction on March 9.
Source: Car & Classic
Photo gallery:
1/12Photos
