The Legend of Paul Jameson's "The Beast" Cars

Jan 24, 2025

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In the realm of custom-built cars, few creations stand out as boldly as Paul Jameson’s "The Beast." A British engineer with a penchant for the extraordinary, Jameson is remembered for his audacious use of massive aircraft engines in road cars, pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. Over several decades, "The Beast" evolved into one of the most iconic and infamous cars in automotive history, cementing its legacy not just in engineering prowess but also in folklore. Here’s a deeper look into the fascinating history of "The Beast" and its evolution through time.

The Genesis: Jameson’s First Beast

In the 1960s, Surrey-based engineer Paul Jameson embarked on a bold project: he sought to fit a monstrous Rolls-Royce Meteor V12 engine, a 26.9-liter behemoth used in tanks like the Cromwell Mk. IV, into a custom-built chassis. With 600 horsepower at 2,550 rpm, the engine's dimensions and power were a challenge to tame, but Jameson’s determination made the impossible a reality. He adapted the car’s body based loosely on the Ford Capri, with a front grille from Rolls-Royce, giving the car a striking and unconventional appearance.

However, creating the chassis was only part of the battle; transmitting that power to the wheels was a significant challenge. This is where John Dodd, an automatic transmission specialist from Epsom, entered the scene. Jameson, frustrated with the transmission issues, turned to Dodd, who successfully paired the Meteor engine with a reliable automatic gearbox, a feat no one else had managed at the time.

John Dodd’s “The Beast”

After completing the transmission setup, Jameson sold the car to Dodd, who took it upon himself to finalize the project. Dodd added his own touches, including a fiberglass body based on the Ford Capri design, and fittingly named the creation "The Beast." With its massive 27-liter engine, "The Beast" was like nothing else on the road. At one point, it even featured a Rolls-Royce grille, which added to its mystique.

But Rolls-Royce was not amused. After complaints and legal pressure, Dodd was forced to remove the grille. This legal battle culminated in a 1983 court case, where Dodd drove "The Beast" to court daily, making headlines despite the car’s frequent breakdowns. Ultimately, he lost the case and had to replace the iconic grille.

Despite these hiccups, "The Beast" became legendary. It was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most powerful road car, and tales of its raw power spread far and wide. The engine, a Rolls-Royce Merlin derived from a Boulton Paul Balliol training aircraft, produced an estimated 850 horsepower in the car. It used a General Motors TH400 automatic transmission, and its engine capacity was recorded as a staggering 27,000cc on its UK registration.

Dodd kept "The Beast" in active use, despite its extreme fuel consumption of around one kilometer per liter, and enjoyed pushing the limits of the car on various occasions. The car gained further notoriety after a memorable incident on the Autobahn, where Dodd allegedly overtook a Porsche, prompting the astonished Porsche driver to inquire with Rolls-Royce about their "new model."

Tragedy and Reinvention

However, the first iteration of "The Beast" was not to last. While in Sweden, the car tragically caught fire and was destroyed, leaving nothing salvageable. But this was not the end of Jameson’s automotive adventures. Even before the fiery demise of the first Beast, Paul Jameson was already plotting something even more audacious.

Dissatisfied with the compromises of the first model, Jameson began work on a second version—The Beast 2. This car was even more extreme, powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 724-1c engine, which produced a jaw-dropping 1,760 horsepower. The Merlin engine, famous for powering Spitfires and Mustangs during World War II, was an ideal choice for Jameson’s next project. This version of the engine had been used in a DC-4M Canadair North Star Argonaut, and with its twin turbos, the power was immense.

The Beast 2: A 6-Wheeled Monster

Built in 1973, "The Beast 2" was an engineering marvel. The car used aluminum tubing for its chassis and featured a floor assembled with over 3,500 aviation rivets. It was a six-wheeled monstrosity, with two rear axles sourced from Jaguar Mk10s and two automatic Hydramatic gearboxes working in tandem. The car measured a staggering 5.66 meters in length and weighed over two tons, even without its bodywork.

To manage the Merlin engine's immense heat output, Jameson installed two radiators from Ford trucks at the rear of the car, each equipped with large Kenlowe cooling fans. The electrical system was aviation-grade, running at 24 volts, and the car was fitted with Dunlop tires mounted on Wolfrace rims.

The interior was just as wild, with complex instrumentation, including an altimeter and a vast array of switches to manage the beastly engine. The bodywork was the result of a design contest run by a fiberglass magazine, with Harry Smith winning the competition to create the car’s unique exterior. The final body featured parts from a variety of cars, including Volkswagen and Vauxhall for lighting, and Ford Transit and Jaguar XJ6 for bumpers. Despite its patchwork construction, the car was an unmistakable sight on the road.

With a top speed of around 185 mph and a fuel consumption rate that made it more suited for the air than the road, "The Beast 2" was an engineering marvel of its time. The car’s combination of cutting-edge engineering, DIY spirit, and sheer audacity earned it a place in automotive history.

Paul Jameson’s Legacy and The Beast 3

Though Paul Jameson passed away in 1989, his legacy in the world of automotive engineering lives on. Before his death, Jameson built a third version of "The Beast," this time using the same Rolls-Royce Merlin engine but in a four-wheeled sedan design. This car, like its predecessors, was an impressive feat of engineering. Today, it resides in southern Spain with John Dodd, who continues to keep "The Beast" alive.

From its early days as a wild experiment to its later incarnations as a road-legal aircraft-engine-powered monster, "The Beast" cars exemplify the unrelenting pursuit of pushing boundaries. Paul Jameson’s creations weren’t just cars; they were statements—testaments to engineering ingenuity and a defiant spirit that dared to ask, “Why not?” And thanks to enthusiasts like John Dodd, "The Beast" still roams the roads today, turning heads and sparking awe wherever it goes.