When most Americans hear the name “The Beast,” they tend to think of the giant limousine that the Secret Service uses to transport the President around. Considering it’s virtually indestructible and How small Jay Leno looks next to itThe presidential limo certainly lives up to its nickname. However, in our hearts, the real Beast is a bit more ambiguous — a custom product created by engineer John Dodd and was powered by a V12 engine taken from a Spitfire fighter.
Yes, you read that right. Under the hood, Dodd’s creation packs a 27-liter V12 that produces over 700 horsepower. Actual power figures aren’t available, as far as we know it’s never been put through its paces, but still. Think about how ridiculous that would have been in the early 1970s. Even by modern standards, that’s a lot, but back in 1972? You’d have to be completely insane to drive The Beast, and we mean that in the most flattering way possible.
Our friends at Throttle House recently had the chance to see The Beast, and as you’ll see in the video below, it looks a little different than you remember. Apparently, after a recent sale, the new owners have updated it a few things, along with some fresh paint and a reupholstered interior. They’ve even added a Rolls-Royce grille, which we can’t imagine would make the suits at Goodwood happy.
If you can, watch the video to see the absolutely ridiculous start-up process. At about the ten-minute mark, they open up a laminated instruction sheet, letting you know things are about to go well, and we guarantee the Beast will not disappoint. Depending on how you want to count, starting the engine takes about 10 steps, and even after doing everything right, they still have to bring the owner in to actually start the car.
However, they finally get to take a test drive, and it turns out to be a real adventure. If you like mystery and the strange, you definitely won’t regret spending a few minutes watching this movie.
