Driving The Beast! 27-litre V12 Spitfire engined car on the street
Driving The Beast! 27-litre V12 Spitfire engined car on the street. Jonny Smith gets the chance of a lifetime to drive the ex-Guinness world record Spitfire aero engine Beast on the street. Built around a 27-litre V12 Mk35 Rolls Royce Merlin engine, The Beast has been in the same family since it was conceived back in the early 1970s. Eccentric owner John Dodd ensured the car became infamous, no doubt helped by Rolls Royce taking him to court and suing him for using their grille. Dodd lost the court battle and left Britain in his Beast for Spain, where he lived until his death at 90 years old last December. John drove the car right up until his death!
No power steering, 2.25 tonnes, 27,000ccs and 2mpg...
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Filmed & edited by: Sam Renton instagram.com/samuel_jose...
Thumbnail by: Daniel Hilliard www.hilliard.design
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:42 Who was John Dodd?
3:13 Rolls Royce court case
3:39 Fibreglass bodyshell
4:40 Fire damage
5:00 Meteor traded for Merlin
5:46 Suspension and steering
6:43 Start up process
8:20 Guinness book of records
10:12 FOR SALE NOW
10:30 Interior
11:34 Driven on autobahns
12:05 Engine weighs 1000kg
12:19 ENGINE BAY
14:12 Engine tech spec
17:18 ULEZ exempt
18:05 ENGINE START PROCESS
20:30 ROAD DRIVE
26:35 How did it feel?
#mostpowerfulcar #merlinengine #johndoddthebeast #thelatebrakeshow
Hi Jonny, when I was a teenager I worked at a garage in Orpington, John Dodd had his garage just up the road on the A21. He used to road test it up & down the A21, and did he used to give it some beans..!!! The loudest and quickest car ever at the time. I spoke to John at the petrol station once, in my overalls so he said do you want to see the engine, well... half an hour later, and with a crowd now blocking the petrol forecourt, he was still happily explaining bits and pieces he'd made etc to me. I've never forgotten it 40 odd yrs later. Hope someone buys it to enjoy its individuality, what a build by a special British engineer, well done Mr John Dodd.. Alex.
Yes indeed, John Dodd's garage was at Pratts Bottom on the A21. We lived up the hill, and we would know when 'The Beast' ( 1st Version) started as a plume of smoke would rise out of the valley! My sister actually got to ride in the car, but then her legs were prettier than mine 😂
@@mikewood3334 Lol… yes the noise was epic, and I remember it stinking of old oil and fuel.. proper British engineering..!!! Alex.
Correct as my mum lived on main road in Petts Wood, Southborough Lane, and we saw it a few times!😅😅😅😅. We saw it a few times and it was awesome for us kids! He always waved at us as we jumped with joy on the pavement!
What a great memory to have and share.
@@chrisblay Hi Chris, I do remember he knew every nut, bolt and washer on that car. Mega passionate about the car.. Alex
Ah yes, the 27 liter WWII aircraft engine that complies with ULEZ. Just as intended.
smokes like crazy too lol
Can someone explain this fuckery
@@Karol-le9btif a vehicle was built more than 40 years ago it’s exempt 👍
@HPsawus so all the cool cars that aren't ulez compliant anymore; you keep em till they re 40 and then you re good to drive it charge free. Makes sense..thanks
nonsense.
We need more people like John Dodd. completely crazy and genius at the same time.
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
Amen@@johanneshartman4618
@@johanneshartman4618 shut it
@@alanwatts8239 have a happy New year man, i love you, JESUS LOVES you turn to him to be saved from hell man
Legend has it that the Beast is Greta Thunberg’s favourite car.
"How dare you"
Well how about that, I was the engineer that cut and made the gears for the first gear box. I was one of 5 apprentice tool makers that worked for J.L. Jamieson back in the late 1960's and Paul Jamieson used all of the apprentices to make the parts for the car that he built. That engine was in the yard for years before he fitted it. I've got lots of memories of working at was the the number one precision engineering company in the area, we built 4 axis machine tools which cut the spiller ring for the RB211 Rolls Royce engine. I wonder if anyone else out their worked at Jamieson Engineering company
Quit lyin
I went to the Ewell Boys School which was opposite the Factory. My mates father worked ( can't remember his first name, He was Mr Maynard to me) in tthe Jamieson factory.
Remember when we had lots of precision engineering companies and a whole lot of other productive expertise...
@@teaguejelinek4038 how do you know he is lying
Pics or it dint happen….
I can correct you on a few aspects of the Beast and some more details. The doors were originally from a Ford Capri Seats are Lotus Europa. The exhaust manifolds were made by Alan Herridge ( known as Bootsie) he was a drag racer who died at Santa Pod ,sincere apologises for miss spelling of his surname if I have. How do I know? The car was refurbished in my bodyshop in Spain near where John lived. Despite my badgering him to change the colour he was having none of it. He wanted to preserve the car as close to original as possible in memory of the people who worked on the car . The left front headlight bezel got damaged and was repaired in another bodyshop, as by that time the company that I was part of no longer existed. For some reason they were unable to match the prosthetic limb colour ( which is exactly how I described the colour to John in an attempt to get him to consider a change) Hopefully the Beast goes to a good home. RIP Cpt John Dodd
Great info
And the engine is a "Meteor". A tank engine developed from the Merlin, without supercharging.
Fascinating 👍
@JohnG did you watch the video? Original car had a meteor. Rebuild after the fire and he put the merlin in
Very cool story. Thank you for sharing.
I clicked on this just to skip to the driving part and found myself watching the entire video. Fascinating and very well made
King clickbait imo
I love the blue trail of "ULEZ compliance" in the air all the way back the entire street
That engine was build to work with supercharger and it is not mounted to it so the comptesion inside the engine is low and because it is low the burning process inside the cylinders is not producing many NOx->that is what that 27 liters are good for->you can produce plenty of power without the need to push the engine to its limits as that is what producing a loot of nasty chemicals and this is also why motorbikes are small with tiny engines but producing often as much smog as full size cars(or more).
The fact that he got insurance to pay for a fire in his custom built Merlin engine powered car is truly amazing.
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
@@johanneshartman4618Jesus said no such thing because there's no such thing as Jesus. 2000 year old FAKE NEWS; & nothing good about it either...FOOL!🤡🙄
shut up spammer, take your fairytales somewhere else and let the adults talk @@johanneshartman4618
@@johanneshartman4618Id rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints (Joel 7 : 3 )
RIP John Dodd. Couldn't think of anyone else to drive and showcase the car. I'm sure the family felt the same too. Good job Johnny & thank you so much!
@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ we invite you to islam
As a student at the time I remember reading about the court case. The Guardian reported that when the fine was issued, John Dodd pulled out a wad of notes and paid up in full, in cash. Thank you for bringing this iconic piece of engineering back to our hearts. John Dodd, a true British hero.
He just had a decent grip of money or what? Insane!
I had the privilege of driving The Beast shortly before you at the same location and its an experience I shall never forget. I know exactly how you felt. My thanks to S and A for the opportunity.
It's not a car, it's a rolling cathedral for eccentrics. Love it!
Merlin the wizard would approve 🧙♂️
Love that description. 😄 Rolling cathedral for eccentrics
Could they have at least labeled all those switches. My Gosh!
Your description of The Beast makes me think of WH40k Cathedral Ships
😅👍
Hi Jonny, as a car mad 19 year old back in 1972 / 73, I worked in Tilbury Docks as a 'shipping' clerk for a Swedish company who ran car ferries to Gothenburg. Knowing my passion for cars the dockers would call me from the office for totally spurious reasons whenever an interesting car or cars were either being shipped to or returning from Sweden on our car ferries. Over the years I drove or was a passenger in a number of exotic cars, such as a Jensen FF, Emerson Fittipladi's F2 Lotus 69, The London Mexico Rally Winner (FEV1H), the most memorable event though, was being allowed to sit in the passenger seat of the original spec beast for the short trip across the terminal to the ship. Every part of the vehicle shook or vibrated, the noise inside the passenger compartment was ear shatteringly loud, as was the constant whine, I believe it was on the journey back to the UK the car caught fire. Some events stay with you for life, this is one such event.
Thank you sir, for sharing your memories with us. I genuinely love reading such things as what today’s world thinks are good memories is something along the lines of a boy wearing girl’s clothes and being celebrated as “beautiful”. Boy oh boy do I miss the 70s!
Treat story. What cool experiences you must of he'd during those times .
Wow, what an experience that would be today for me at 55, unbelievable at 19 🤯👍👍
@@adamlane5182 Life in the 70's was much less restrictive than now and new experiences were common place.
@@david.e.h. You cannot believe how much fun we had at work in the docks. Life was far less stressful and each day bought more new experiences.
This is absolutely amazing! I'm from Washington state USA not too far from Everett (not far from Seattle) which is where Boeing is located. These engines seemed to have been surplus around here and were used in the old Hydroplanes that raced on Lake Washington. Now days they are turbine powered but the old school hydros had these Rolls-Royce Merlin V12s and I've been fortunate enough to see one of these engines ran on a trailer... And what an experience! From the moment I saw one I immediately thought "it would be so amazing to build a car around one of these!"... I'm just now discovering The Beast and feel gitty to see my thought is actually reality. I love everything about The Beast from the name to the styling, I love all things classic automotive and the 70s styling makes this even cooler and more wild to me. Excellent video! I had a blast watching, learning and going on a virtual drive with you in The Beast. I love how sophisticated and elagant it looks parked but how wild and chaotic it becomes when it's awaken! Definitely subscribed, great video, great presentation 👍 Cheers!
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
I guess you really have to be an American to describe a gloriously tacky, ridiculously (dis!)proportioned, gloriously over-engined (& I grant you, gloriously over-engineered...🤪), & HIDEOUSLY coloured ("puking day-glo abortion prosthetic beige"🫡🧐) MONSTER 🧌 (barely!) street-legal drag racer as "sophisticated 🤡 and elegant 🤮"!!!
That opening line about the grill and JD going to court over it, losing and then deciding the leave the country, says so much about his conviction to right and wrong. He was no doubt disgusted such a thing could play out the way it did, and stood by his beliefs it seems. That itself makes him a legend.
Or he just wanted to retire to Spain as thousands of Brits do.
Agreed....I am sure he declared in open court that the grill was a deeply felt homage to RR. It wasn't intend to be a gimmick but rather the appropriate match for the Merlin inside. It looked like earlier iterations with a more "classic" style had the RR grill. I guess they didn't want to see it on a "funny" car.
This country is an absolute joke tbh. If I could afford it id move in a heartbeat.
For fear of sounding like a bit of a know it all, here's some interesting facts about putting a Merlin in a car. The engine in Johns car had the supercharger removed which meant he could then run the engine the other way or anticlockwise as most automotive engines do ( a Merlin runs clockwise). Obviously you cannot do this with the supercharger still fitted as it would become a sucker not a blower! It also meant he probably changed the cams to Meteor ones as Meteor engines run anticlockwise too. Merlins are also pretty low compression (around 6:1) as they are supercharged, so with the blower removed there would be little issue with running a lower octane fuel. I think most of the clattering and whine is the overdrive between the engine and before the transmission, if I'm not mistaken it's a spur gear set up and straight cut. The reason I know all this is I have spent the last six years working out how to put a supercharged Merlin 66 in a car. I'm pretty close now largely thanks to Peter Grieve. If anyone's intersted take a look at 'The Fighter Ace Project' on FB
Get it on KZhead mate Facebook is a wasteland.
Yes, that was almost definitely gear whine on a custom (not mass-produced) gearset. That was my first thought, gear whine has that distinctive sound but mass-produced (not custom) gearsets have much development money behind them to cut down on the noise. I'm definitely going to go look at your project. The worst I've ever done was replacing turbo inline fours with V8s.
The following word is very much overused today but I'm going to use it anyway.. Your project would make an AWESOME KZhead channel.. All the development and the build, plus running it after completion.. That couldn't be done for 'The Beast' for obvious reasons so it would be a fantastic record of both your build and a general overview of the problems John Dodd also had to overcome (without CNC and modern engineering methods) - PLEASE get it on here !!..
Sorry for being nitpicky, but you can’t just let a four stroke engine run backwards, the timing would be completely reversed and would require some redesigning of the timing mechanism to get it running. The supercharger is a centrifugal type charger, here it doesn’t matter which way it turns because the air will always be flung outwards, though the compressor wheels flutes will be shaped in a way to have the highest efficiency in its supposed operating direction. All in all it would probably be easier to have a gearbox with an idler stage to reverse shaft rotation.
@@Waldfuerst114 lol. All you must do is change the Cam to run in the opposite direction. And depending on the ignition system, you probably need one designed opposite (points), but if you put a newer multi spark discharge ignition on it, it should work. You install the spark plug wires in the new firing order. You need to run the water pump in the same direction, or install an electric pump instead. How do I know that this is possible? Boats with twin V8 engines, have 1 engine rotate in the opposite direction. Easy peasy. He did mention that they changed the cam, but probably didn't mention everything that needed to be changed.
John Dodd was a genius and a humble man who was always willing to give advice. He once spotted me buying a socket set in a Bromley car parts and tool store in In the early ‘70s - told me to forget the chunky 1/2in drive and go for the 3/8in: “much easier access in confined spaces and tough enough for most jobs.” Good advice. 50 years and several rebuilds later the 3/8in socket set is still in service. RIP John.
He left to early for his second project with a 24H Napier from a tempest 😉
i literally never came across a job on an engine where i "needed" a 1/2" ratchet. maybe back then when cars were huge and space wasn't a premium but nowadays, you need 1/4 and the slimmest of 3/8 ratchet to access anything.
Amazing! I remember John and "The Beast" very well. He built it with a coupe body originally and in my opinion, it looked much better. John used to come across from kent to our workshops to make the occasional modification to the body and interior. It was an incredible piece of engineering and of course, unique in it's own right. All this was before the fire of course, and we all got to drive or ride in it back then. We had a racing workshop specialising in Productiin Saloon race cars; and we raced two of our own, both Mk2 Ford Zodiac based. I'm 77 now, and still very much into fast productiin cars for the road. Once it's in the blood, the love never fades, and certainly never goes away. John was one of the greats, there aren't many left now; but if you ever get blown away on a motorway by something you know just shouldn't be that quick! Give it a wave, chances are it's going to be one of us.
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
@@johanneshartman4618 You have been reported for proselytising fiction.
Watching him explain the start-up sequence is the single best thing ive seen all day today!😂👌🏼❤️🙏🏼
Saw the car this weekend at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC. Now painted silver, and now sporting a remodelled front with a Rolls-Royce grille again! Looked good 👍
Hi, Johnny you are blessed to be allowed to drive the Beast it is an experience you will never forget. I’ve known John Dodd since I met him 6 years ago in Fuengirola, Costa del Sol. John would mostly talk and I would listen for ages about his life and the Beast and once took me for a short drive. I had a lot in common with John, both of us having lived in south east London in 60’s and 70’s and we both used the same engineering companies to modify engines. John owned ‘transmatic’ gearbox repairs in Malaga and loved big cars. He owned a huge white Rolls Royce from early 1960’s ( silver cloud I think ) which he drove like a getaway car, frightening. I last saw John early summer last year still mobile and looking good for his age. John Dodd had a great life, he was an amazing engineer and a unique character and always a true Englishman.
This car was in Spain for many years in Fuengirola, as a kid in the 80s John was living in the same area as my parents had a holiday home. He told us out as a family in it a few times and would start it often. Amazing car and it's a shock to see it all these years later. Thanks for sharing, I'm 47 now and it took me back to when I was 14 being in the passenger seat with John driving .
You have taken a ride?
@@beamboy07, just a short distance because it was a complex of villas in the hills. I didn't understand the meaning of it at the time just that it had an airplane engine and sounded amazing. I Recognise the car straight away. The only thing close was a Jensen Interceptor at the time.
@@greyguy.960 Wow Thanks for sharing the stories 👍
Whoever buys this needs to find a very competent mechanic for maintainance and repairs. 😵💫
That is seriously fast. So cool to hear the rpm go up slightly, but the speed that the background goes by is exponential 😊
Johnny you're such a legend. Most motor journalists are so far removed from the real world driving 2 million pound exotics then you come along with this masterpiece. Edit. John Dodd gives me Fred Dibnah vibes
Can't get better vibes than those!!
Surely this is even more exotic and far removed from the real world?
@@MumrikDK yes it is but in the purest sense. He didn't spend 2 million on it he poured his heart and soul into it and made a engine destined for the sky work on perfect harmony with his mad gearbox
@@MumrikDK surely u understand my point
Met him in Spain ! Helped me out with a place to stay with my partner and two dogs in 2000 after moving back from the States . Lovely guy was able to see the car (in pieces ) and was able to repay him a bit by buying him lunch . Told me about the fun with the gearboxes ! ❤❤❤👍👍👍👍
To expand: the Merlin engine was in the Lancaster and Spitfire (and Seafire) but also in the Hurricane, the Mosquito and even the US P-51 Mustang. It was an incredibly important engine, powering three of the most important fighters, one of the most important bombers and the most important multi-role (night fighter, bomber, reconnaissance) aircraft of the war.
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
MTB boats.
And the (Handley Page) Halifax
When Herman Goring saw P-51s over Berlin he knew the war was all but lost.
That noisy, smoking, and powerful car roars its name on the roads: the Beast! Thanks 👍
The fact he painted it in the same colour prosthetic beige as aunt Ethel's sewing machine is commendable. It's so Thunderbirds.
I was just thinking where I'd seen that colour , it's the wife's sewing machine that I bought her back in 1979.🤣😂👍
Shades of beige and browns were very 70's. I had a leather jacket in almost the identical colour!
That colour was VERY popular on Reliant Scimitars - I suspect due to the similar side profile John thought it was amusing to pick the most common Scimitar colour.
@@Bulletguy07 And orange if there was a touch of middle class about you.
I had the pleasure of a passenger ride in the beast a few years back. U can not get a sense of how loud it really is. A pure legend
what a racket that thing makes. Sounds like it's falling apart as you drive.
TY for all your hard work and content contributions…just appreciating
Italian here: this is the most british thing i ever seen. Amazing.
I met the owner here in Málaga when I was 11. I was astonished by the sound of that engine. When I was 22 I found the garage where it was sitting and asked one of his coworkers to tell him that this car and the mix of my two passions (aviation and cars) inspired me to study mechanical engineering. I'm glad it went back to the UK. (sorry for my bad English)
Your English had only a couple of minor errors and everyone who read it knew exactly what you meant to convey. 👍 No need to apologize, mate, but your humility is appreciated. 🤜💥🤛🙏 *Godspeed!*
"Sorry for my bad English" Your English is better than a large percentage of Americans I deal with on a daily basis.
@@michaellong2661 thank you so much!!
@@michaellong2661 No kidding! Amazing how bad people are with their own native language here in America 🇺🇸. It's sad.
You’re English writing is better than probably half the British U.K. and American population
The Beast like: "You want to own me, here are the conditions" Rule: 1# Always thank my Muster Sir John Dodd before "launching me " Rule: 2# When you ride me, hit me I'm not a snail Rule 3# When I sing, do not interrupt me RIP Legend Sir John Dodd Ps: Fantastic Video Thanks a lot 👍🏼
Wow, fantastic to see you drive this, and the intro to the drive was fantastic too. This must be one of the silliest, daftest cars ever, but wow. Thank you Mr Dodd!
Jay Leno should be the only person to own The Beast next he would preserve the history of John Dodd's life and his amazing creation.
Yes that would be the right man for this car. Someone who actually will drive it.
It sounds like the world's largest tool box falling down the world's longest staircase while a jet engine rages in the background. Not a grand tour I think I could do 😂
Even more so at 2 mpg kill your ears and your wallet 😂
@@dragonclubracing8669 Where did you got that numbet from? I suspect that it is from your behind as there is no way that this car is so inneficient considering how good this engine is plus i just watched video with Jay Leno car with the same type of engine and he said that mpg is not bad...
Woaaa, thank you for sharing this amazing gem of a car with us! it looks and sounds amazing!!!
I saw this car in its red and Rolls Royce radiator version on Blue Peter in the early 70's. Never forgot it and always wondered what happened to it. Now I know. I'm also sure that there were several aero-engined cars built in the 1910's, 1920's and 1930's - some for racing and some for land speed records but this may have been the first road car - not sure.
Actually the Merlin engines were water cooled, with the radiators for the water and oil underneath the spitfires wings while on the Lancaster they were under the engines. Only really radial engines were air cooled because they could get air somewhat consistently to all the cylinders whereas with an inline engine you'd just cool the front and not the rear.
The Lancaster's Merlins had their water and oil coolers under the engine. The whole engine could be removed relatively easily to replace it when needed. It was called the 'power egg' by Rolls Royce and produced as the Merlin XX. The Bristol Beaufighter Mk II was the first aircraft equipped with that power egg system and it was later used in the Lancaster, the Miles M. 20 trainer, the Avro York transport and, somewhat ironically, in Spanish CASA 2.111's - a licence built Heinkel He 111 bomber. A Merlin-engined aircraft that did have its coolers in the wings was the de Havilland Mosquito. This was done for aerodynamic reasons.
@@MrLBPug Ah I've mixed up the Mossie with the Lancaster. Thanks for the correction.
Ethylene glycol, not water. Nasty stuff.
Glycol header tank????Anyone???
Also flying at 30,000 feet helped cool them too.
Cannot help but smile. Thank you Mr Smith and of course Mr Dodd 😀
Thank you for enjoying the film David
Jonny I am as old as this car. The antithesis of my Caterham !
@@davidlynch1925 Your Caterham might actually fit under the hood of this monster, now that I think about it...
Hi John . Ian From Australia. the Merlin was in Spitfires, Hurricanes, Lancaster , Mustangs ,Mosquitos and a few other planes. The Meteor was in tanks unsupercharged, early Meteors were from unairworthy engines. The beast is magnificent.hopefully it stays in England.all the aircraft had radiators using Glycol as coolant.also some of the Royal Navy used Rolls Royce V12 , these might have been marinised meteors.
This is a Merlin from a Balliol.
Sold at said auction for £72,500. The Beast needs to be resto-modded. Modern fuelling, air-ride, modern colour and better interior trim. It's an amazing car, keep it amazing! How it looks in its "hearing aid" current colour scheme, could just be part of its history. A proper resto-mod could launch it stratospheric!
Could use a muffler or two as well🤥🤣🤣🤣, along with PAS & an LSD if it doesn't have one already!😉
During my army days in the 70's I was stationed in Germany and there was no speed limits on the autobahns. There were reports about a new Rolls Royce being tested and the German police were not happy. So they wrote to RR and complained about the speed the car was doing and asked them to not road test any more new models on German roads. Turned out it was John Dodd and the beast. Of course, being British, we just laughed and about it when the Germans complained. Perhaps that why RR wanted the grill removed?
That’s also why they “limited” the speed
And the great thing is that most parts of the autobahn today has no speed limit! Amazing.
Amazing! I didn't realise what a feat of engineering it was to adapt a slow-revving aero engine to power a car. Thanks, Jonny, for the excellent presentation. One thing though - The Beast was by no means the first aero-engined car. There have been quite a few since before the First World War, but the most famous were the four racing cars built by Count Zborowski and known as the Chitty Bang Bangs. They were the inspiration for Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. My father told me the name derived form the noise they made when starting. He saw at least one of them at Brooklands as a boy. The first had a 23 litre Maybach engine from a Zeppelin. The fourth had a 27 litre American Liberty engine. It was bought by J.G Parry-Thomas after Zborowski's death at Monza, renamed "Babs" and broke the land speed record at Pendine Sands. It is now on display at Brooklands. I don't think there was much distinction between road cars and race cars in those days, but certainly The Beast was and is the most effective road-going incarnation of an aero-engined car.
It definitely sounds like an airplane. Whats the popping noise I hear, it's like popcorn. This is like the ultimate muscle car, definitely a product of its era
@@ericg4915 That's the crackle coming out of the exhaust. Each pop is the front of the shockwave coming out of the exhaust ports & down through the manifold and eventually out into the air. The original Merlin, on the early Spitfires, stuck straight out the side at 90° to the direction of travel. Supermarine tried turning the exhausts rearwards. They got an extra 12 m.p.h. out of the Spitfire purely from the thrust of the exhaust gasses! That's why they crackle 😜
What a glorious video. In the mid 1970's, I worked for BBC Television. The brief sequences of John we see here were produced by BBC. I worked on this story at the BBC Lime Grove Studios...might have been 1993. The story of John Dodd driving at hellish speeds on the German Autobahn, as told to us, goes like this. At that time, the Rolls Royce grill was on the car. Rolls Royce UK received a phone call from the German Autobahn police requesting RR to cease using their autobahns as a proving ground for their experimental cars.
If you worked for the BBC in the mid 1970's then you should have been aware that this car appeared on Blue Peter at that time.
GREAT report of a tremendous machine engineered by an awesome carenthusiast. Thanks a lot!
Wow what an awesome experience that must have been! I remember seeing this car in the usual car mags in the 80's and thinking that it was probably like all the other over the top creations out there, you know the type that look badass in the mags but barely run and can't go ten feet without breaking. It's such a nice surprise to see that wasn't the case and that he flogged it regularly. Not to mention that he kept up on it for over 40 years. The fact that it even exists is nothing short of amazing but that he kept it going all these years is mind blowing. RIP Mr. Dodd, you are and will always be a legend...
I've always loved the airplane engine cars, they are my favorite thing ever. Because, think about it. It's more practical in some ways. It has the longevity and torque of a diesel. Think about it. You can cruise at 70mph at 650 rpm. That's absolutely crazy! How long would the engine last? Being in America, every older car I've ever owned has had way too low of gears, and the engines run at way, way too high of RPM. In America, they sold most vehicles with only 3 speeds, all the way up to the mid 1980's, rendering most classic cars as junk for a daily driver. I've always dreamed of having tall gears, and a low revving engine, being able to idle down the freeway!
As a pilot, I got to enjoy a very familiar startup procedure in a car :) Love your work Jonny, keep it up mate.
It's the most british car ever, the startup procedure is a Monthy Python skit.
as a pilot you would also know that it really needs to be driven with headsets and intercom...
Yeah, people think you can just get in a plane, and start it like a car.
Plus it's a very good anti-theft system.
@@torashuPanda781 So are manual clutches now. I saw a guy get shot, cause his Mustang was a stick, and he was filling up gas. The guys rolled up on him, pointed guns, and when the moron couldn't figure out how to drive off, he shot the guy, and ran back to his friends, who almost left him. He was a damn kid too. Another life OVER.
absolute legend. Fantastic rundown, this car has been talked about for decades and there were various whispered tales of him holding unofficial speed records on british roads.... (anyone know any more about that?) but I had no idea it was such a frankenstein made from so many different parts of other cars!!! Dodd was clearly an engineering genius with a wild sense of adventure, creativity and fun... RIP.
Well that was ear cancer. Good Lord.
It sounds so awful and so good at the same time.
Lmao
John Dodd will live forever through his creation and these videos. Nobody does eccentricity like us Brits. I thought I was a little mad putting a yank V8 in a little Morris, but here we are! He's got everyone trumped!
Have you still got it? I'd love to see it and I can't be the only one
Here in Australia back in the late 60’s my cousins best mate put a 454 in a Ford Anglia!😱😈 He had to put bags of cement in the boot for “stability”!🤣👍🏼🇦🇺
Come to the American south….. lol you’ll see some shit you never thought possible
That man must have been a pure LEGEND. Because what he build was dam legendary. The purest form of respect to that man and his family.
This type of independent thought and action is what we discourage today in our quest that everyone become of a “hivemind” and all think the same quacky way. 🤦🏼♀️ I MUCH prefer the old ways.
@@givemefreedom2359 I feel the same as well! 🤜💥🤛 👍👍
@@givemefreedom2359 I understand your view, but people like us can not be stopped. We do what we need to do to make our dreams come to reality :)
@@phillenan2494 that is what I LOVE. America was founded by rebels. It will be the rebels that save it. I LOVE me a rebel. Almost all of them! 💪🏻🤝🏻🇺🇸
The engine and the car are nothing short of a national treasure ⚔️🏅
“You are aware of the bonnet”… best line of any car review ever!!!
For how insane this thing is, the fact that it's so drivable is astounding. Sure the start up needs a guide, and it's deafening. But that you could just go down to the shops like normal in it makes it even cooler. And technically is a one owner car.
You can see videos here in KZhead of John driving the car in his late 80s like it's nothing in fact I think the last video of him if driving to breakfast last summer
I am reminded of a late 1960s Chevy Chevelle with similar power. Twenty inches were taken from the cabin, forty inches added forward of the windshield. Steering was from where the back seat had been. All to accommodate a 1,710 cubic inch Allison V-12. It was fed by four Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors.
What a FANTASTIC video - thank you so much! There was an episode many years back in Top Gear in which Jeremy Clarkson lists the unbelievable innovations made by the British over the century. This amazing vehicle must surely top the list for sheer mechanical ingenuity. I'm not British but I wish to say this to you folks who are: YOU TRULY SHOULD BE PROUD of your incredible legacy in engineering (among other things) and I hope there will always be people like Johnny Smith that can remind the world about people such as the clearly great Captain John Dodd and his ilk. Bravo, Bravo!
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
@@johanneshartman46181) Nobody asked for your sermon, nor appreciates your SPAM. 2) FAKE NEWS. ALL OF IT! 3) Jesus never existed. The only ones who claimed that he did were Christian Cult leaders writing their fairy tales long after the time he supposedly died. Therefore, authoritative historians of ancient history confirm the distinct lack of any convincing proof of either him or his far-fetched shenanigans. 4) Further proof of this BIG LIE are all these various big Catholic churches all over Europe that claim either to have a scrap of wood from his cross or a nail or two that belonged to it. If you add them all up you'll have enough wood & nails to build yourself a nice large cottage by the lake somewhere to wait for your Messiah who doesn't love you any more than I do.👹
That was one of the most insane driving videos I've ever seen. John would be so proud to know he's left such a unique and special legacy. And the respect paid to all aspects of the car were on point. Really enjoyed it! RIP John and thanks, I enjoyed it
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
I used to see it driving around when I was a kid at school near Epsom. Wonderful madness. I think it’s one of the reasons I’ve bought so many large engined cars over the years. RIP John.
Me too ,I think it was in 1990s when I first saw the beast
@@honeymonster5589 same in the 90's as a vary young age kid RR please give it back the original bits as it's a roll's Royce and 🇬🇧 royalty in the car realms, hopefully it doesn't get swished/crushered by jelly-corporate-boardroom members ect
This is so unbelievable hahaha I love it! I mean, I would never drive it but just for the whole story behind it and the amazingly weird construction. Thank you from Hamburg, Germany for sharing this! Made my day! 😍😄👍
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!❤❤❤
@@johanneshartman4618😱😱😱😱😱💀💀💀💀💀💀
I saw some pics of this when I was younger and it always interested me and I thought it looked cool, so nice to learn more about it.
I recently went for a flight in a Supermarine TR.9 Spitfire 2 seater with the same 35 Merlin in NZ and I was amazed at the mechanical noise the engine made inside the cabin. Sounded rough as guts. All nuts and bolts. Not like the beautiful exhaust noise we are all used to when hearing it from the outside. However the pilot was not going for broke and I remember the boost gauge being not far off the stopper. Had she opened it up, no doubt the engine would have sung when under proper boost and pressure but you can imagine those engines cost a lot to rebuild so they didn't want to put it under any strain. Interesting to say the least. It was the greatest flight of my life doing the victory roll above Auckland.
I was on a Lancaster 6 years ago the sound of sitting in the Bomb Aimers Position with 4 Merlin's running running a 2000 RPM was simply incredible, Still Get Goosebumps thinking about it.
@@-DC-One of my kids used to play football and was lining up for a penalty shootout at Cavendish fields in Matlock and there was a rumbling in the distance, shortly after we got a fairly low pass from a Lancaster. Totally surreal.
John used to fill up The Beast at my dad's Ford dealership, Bristol Street Motors in Bromley back in the 70's. I was fascinated by this car as a teenager. Thanks Johnny for the in car footage which is what The Beast is all about. Now we need some flat out Autobahn footage!
Thats quite cool actually Thanks for sharing
I'd love it if Rolls Royce wrote to the Dodd family and said, we've reassessed and you can use our grille, and then the Dodd family wrote back, "you had your chance".
Jonny, yes The Beast, it was quite something!!! Thanks very much for this episode of The Late Brake Show. I really enjoyed it. And I really like the way you respect this extraordinary Beast and the Man behind it. Others - unmentioned - might have treated the whole thing as a bit of a joke. Hats off to you mate! And hats off to the late John Dodd. Kudos to your filming team as well . . . Subscribed to day for sure.
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
Has anyone told Jay Leno its up for sale? great to see its still on the road and not chopped up, I remember seeing it many years ago.
So the guy was hugely patriotic, loved his country, put a stonking great Rolls Royce Merlin engine in a car, puts a Rolls Royce grille on the front and the suits don't like it. Well bollocks to them! What an absolute legend. RIP Doddy.
And fecked off to Spain. Not so patriotic.
Rolls Royce got a huge amount of newspaper headlines and both John Dodd and RR milked it for what they could. Many Newspapers were sold, everyone loved it.
Loved his country so much that he moved to another country for half his life?
@@tomkandy after he saw the light eh.
@@royevans4581 And £5000*2 fine.
I felt tingles all over me ! The creator of the beast is with us all as we watch this ! Thank you 🙏🏼 Sir Rest so deeply knowing your creating is loved by all Thank you to late brake show Thank you 🙏🏼
I cant believe it sold for less the 90 grand usd. Such an amazing piece of machinery.
Just once again proves the theory that whatever you put your mind to, you can do!!! I'm quite sure there were tons of people that told John Dodd there's no way it will ever work. And I'm quite sure he told them In true British fashion to piss off!! 😂 It truly is a beautiful piece of art!!
Actually it doesn't prove that, quite the opposite. The chap who originally developed the car obviously did put his mind to it, yet he couldn't make it work. That's how the car came to John Dodd. Determination itself is not enough, you also need skill. But when you have both, like John Dodd did, you can achieve some truly terrific results (in every sense of the word).
@@michaldvorak1 The guy originally conceived it put his mind to it, and his mind determined that John Dodd could complete the task. So, in a way, he put his mind to it and achieved his goal with the help of another mind. Putting your mind to it doesn't necessarily mean doing it *all* by yourself, does it? Even Dodd had other minds assisting him. *Together they got it done.* 💥💥💥
@@KoolHandJuke this would be a case where you're glad people didn't just "mind their own business!" Lol 😆
Thanks for doing this car justice - what a tribute to the man who created it.
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
as a v8 owner many v8's you got to love people like him kept our dreams alive, rip sir.
Fantastic video! I remember this bad boy being in the news about 1978, one of my earliest memories actually. My mind was blown when you said it was ULEZ compliant. Amazing really, because it's not exactly Euro 4 or above is it? Brilliant vid though!
In aircraft applications, the Merlin most certainly used water cooling with radiator/s. In fact in water-cooled piston aero-engines, radiator design and placement is quite complicated and important. They must be effective but also with as low drag as possible. With careful design, their aerodynamic drag can be offset by the Meredith effect, where the hot radiator exhaust produces thrust.
Indeed, there's no such thing as a modern V12 air cooled aircraft engine ! Some V12 tank engines were air cooled though....
Yes, they used pressurized water-glycol coolant, allowing coolant temperatures up to 135C in late war variants. Higher coolant temperature allowed a smaller radiator.
This man clearly finds it hard to hold his tongue. Vintage Car Radiators of Bicester still repair Spitfire radiators and have stocks of new wartime issue Merlin radiators. Air Cooled did someone say ? This vehicle took part in Brighton seafront drag races in the early 70s. Unlike its competitors it could drive back to the start on the public road . Dodds repaired automatic transmissions and advertised he would fly anywhere on request to fix transmissions on heavy plant. As Brighton mechanics at that time we couldn't see building this car really being too much of a challenge for him - a legendary engineer.
was going to say, Spitfires were notorious for overheating if left running on the ground for too long, they needed the airflow of flight across their radiators to cool properly
Merlin engined P51-D Mustangs were particularly prone to overheating and ended up with an elaborate ducting system.
1974, I was on my Yamaha CS5E 200cc approaching Orpington High St from Green St Green - the original incarnation, with the red bodywork and the RR grille overtook me. I knew of this car and its reputation - the ground shook as it rolled by me... Fantastic 🙂
Honestly he should have gotten some kind of contract to mass produce it, what I wouldn’t give to own a fine v12
7:20 "Oh, that lights up. Yeah, that lights up. The others should light up, but they don't all... you know?" Bless this man.
What a blast from the past, I remember seeing this in various places (not in person sadly) as a kid!
I must confess I smiled through out this episode because it was a perfect example of engineering that said "can we, rather than should we"
That thing is unbelievable! How on earth did John Dodd manage such long distances in it without going deaf? Hope it goes to a good home - that motor needs preserving as a bastion of British individuality!
Not to mention 2mpg and a 26 gallon tank, that's a lot of refuelling pitstops!
You assume Dodd could hear? No joke though
What a Marvelously Brilliant piece of Engineering Excellence
So cool and so quiet too.
What a Beast! Definitely not first aero-engined car as it was "common" practice in early years of planes to nick the engines and put in land speed or racing cars, think Napier Railton etc. This car was such big news in the 70s and 80s in UK lets hope it goes to a museum, he used very similar idea about getting transmission to work as Charlie Broomfield did later in his SD1, interesting that you have now been in both!
Yeah I was a bit puzzled by that statement.
I thought the same. Jonny had a bit of a brain fart on that one.
Although I wonder if it was the first street legal aero engined car.
@@callummclachlan4771 in terms of modern rules for road legality, yeah kinda. But most of said aero engined land speed cars from pre war were also road legal, it's just there were next to no rules to be met 🤣.
Not many could boast a valid MoT!
Casually remarks that “it’ll cruise at 200mph” what an absolute legend!!
John literally should have started his own car company and mass produced this I would have bought it who wouldn’t want to have such a big v12
Sounds almost like my old Victa, and smokes like it too! Love it!
I love this car deeply. Very cool car from across the Atlantic.
7:45 I actually laughed out loud when it started up. He seems like quite a character, and I love how matter of fact he is about such a complicated start process for a car. I'm loving this video so far.
Best part!
"It's wisper quite" Dr Nick
Awesome, fantastic to see that! Having had the privilege of working on Merlins, I can appreciate the engineering challenges of putting one in a car- no mean feat and probably the most unkind thing you can do to an aero engine, the operating conditions are very different. The cylinder/ piston clearances are massive by contrast to an automotive engine- the last thing you want is an aero engine seizing up, so the oil burning seen here is to be expected, but It'll probably be pretty minging inside by now.. The Merlin's gearbox (not the cars gearbox) is a very complex piece of engineering and responsible for half the mechanical row you can hear- the cockpit of a spit is little better. The magnetos driven from it are timed asynchronously and each share plugs on exhaust and intake side, the large and simple combustion chambers needing all the help they can get- Merlin's are not the perfect engine often imagined. Think tractor engine built to race car standards... A proper Rolls built Merlin 35 is a thing of beauty, the fitting work and general quality is something else. From the rocker covers, this one is probably a Packard built engine. I hope who ever buys "The Beast" actually uses it, it really needs to turn up to a few car meets and the odd pub lunch..
Thank you for the info. And yes, we totally agree that the Beast ought to be bought by someone who will occasionally fire it up and let others appreciate the lunacy.
It is a mechanical marvel without a doubt but it sounds terrible to me.
@@TheLateBrakeShow you sound like the perfect custodian Jonny!
Apparently the engine is from a Boulton Paul Balliol training aircraft this engine was available in large numbers from surplus stocks leftover from the war.
Packard NEVER built a mk35 for the Brits. all were the 20 series single stage 2 speed. packard did late in the war, 1944 build a 1000 266 merlin for the Brits, their version of the 66 series 2 stage 2 speed supercharger and they were only used in the Mk 16 shitfire, ALL Packard built engines has a plain steel stamped rocker cover. so who knows///
I absolutely love the reaction during road drive part, just wow, wow, and the rest is barely audible how loud the engine is. I mean, there is not much to say, this machine is a Cerberus of the road. I wish there was a better sound quality recording how this thing sounds from outside, I bet you can hear it from a mile away
holy smokes, what an absolute unit
Nice idea about it being the first aero engined car, but it's several decades too late for that. Aero engines were popular for racing cars over a century ago. The Beast of Turin was built in 1910 with a 28l, four cylinder, airship engine - there are loads of videos of it on KZhead. Even that wasn't the first aero engined car.
Yeah i was going to say it goes back a long time for aero engines in cars, i think Jay leno has a few of them and featured a few more.
It wasn't an airship engine contrary to popular belief
The Napier-Railton was a very successful aero engines race car but only 24 litre displacement
Not even chitty was the first aero-engined auto. Just one of the most famous
One of your best Johnny. Your passion and enthusiasm for this car was plain for all to see. You would be a fantastic custodian of this awesome vehicle!
Tim, thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the episode.
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
That sequence to start the car is bonkers lol
Amazing. I remember reading about this car as a boy, but had never seen any pictures of it. Even better to hear it run and see it driven. I think it's rather handsome, in it's own special way. Many customizers and hotrodders use bits of production cars. Rolls Royce is the only company I've ever heard of suing a person over it. Rather obnoxious of them, really. Kind of makes them look bad. Nothing wrong with having a little fun. Perhaps they need to lighten up a little! Thanks for this amazing vid!
Was really hoping you would take it on the motorway for at least 1 junction and "open the taps" a bit. Kind of got the impression the cacophony would have calmed down as the speed increased. Great vid. Remember hearing about it when I was about 8 years old and how it was the "fastest car in the world" aka "The Beast".
I'm guessing he was explicitly warned not to do that. Would've been awesome to really hear it scream though that's for sure.
This episode has given me more joy than I have had inn months! Being able to drive this car would be an experience of a lifetime. My father-in-law flew in WW2 - I wish he was alive to hear that engine.
Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God (God's family) unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again” (John 3:5-7). what does this mean? Well you have to believe with your whole heart that JESUS died for your sins and after 3 days and nighrs GOD raised HIM from the death, so you can be baptized and after being baptised ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT . WHO will guide you trough life!
amen@@johanneshartman4618
I love the lack of a seat belt, adds to the terror. haha
And it is a shooting brake to boot. Absolutely fantastic.
Thanks Johnny for bringing us the Beast, really nicely done! I can think of no other motoring journalist who would bring to life the story of John Dodd and this magnificent creation in the way you have. So respectful of Johns achievements and the battle with RR really tickled me, right up my street! Describing the experience as a cacophony of sound absolutely spot on. Thanks again Johnny ❤️👍