A Rolls-Royce fitted with a 27-liter Merlin V-12 engine and nicknamed “The Beast” will be auctioned at the end of November at a museum in the United Kingdom.
The 1972 Merlin engine is similar to the one found in the Spitfire fighter aircraft from World War II and produces power equivalent to roughly five and a half Ford Mustangs.
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Equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission, this car achieved an official Guinness World Speed Record, reaching 295 km/h in 1973.
The “insane” model was built by eccentric British businessman John Dodd, who owned a successful automatic transmission repair shop.
The chassis, meanwhile, was created by another English builder, Paul Jameson, who originally sourced the Merlin V-12 engine from a Centurion tank.
Jameson and Dodd were acquainted through their connection in automatic transmission supply. Dodd was responsible for purchasing the mechanical components and commissioning a fiberglass body to house them.
Although the car was originally beige, the current owner — who bought it from the Dodd family two years ago — had it repainted in a two-tone silver and grey scheme and also refreshed the interior in a refined black finish.
The vehicle includes several modifications, such as the “The Beast” lettering embroidered on the leather headrests of the driver and passenger seats. Fortunately, the steering wheel retains Dodd’s personal touch: his initials engraved at the center.
With its striking appearance, surreal power and remarkable history, the iconic vehicle will now be auctioned by Historic Auctioneers on 29 November at the Mercedes-Benz World museum in Weybridge, England. “The Beast” is expected to sell for between £75,000 and £100,000.
Photos: Historic Auctioneers. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
