The legendary 27-Litre “Beast” powered by a Spitfire V12 is roaring back to auction
Published on Nov 17, 2025 at 6:04 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Nov 17, 2025 at 6:04 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Claire Reid
An entirely unique car known as the ‘Beast’ is set to go under the hammer, and a quick look at its 27-liter V12 engine reveals why it’s been given such a tough nickname.
For starters, the car looks quite unlike anything else we’ve ever seen before, thanks to its bespoke chassis.
But it’s under the hood where things get really interesting, as it’s powered by a Rolls-Royce 27-liter V12 engine similar to what you might find on a Spitfire fighter plane.
Here’s how the Beast came into existence, and how you can get your hand on it.
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The V12-powered Beast is… well, a beast
The Beast’s history dates back to the 1960s when engineer Paul Jameson created a custom chassis design to accommodate a Rolls-Royce Meteor tank engine.
The unusual build came to the attention of transmission specialist John Dodd who joined forces with Jameson.
Unfortunately, the original vehicle was destroyed in a fire, but Dodd wasn’t going to let that stop him from creating the Beast and by 1972 the project was complete.
The car’s coach was built by UK-based Fiber Glass Repairs and is a two-door shooting brake with seriously extended proportions that measure around 9 feet.
The car initially had a Rolls-Royce grille and Spirit of Ecstacy and was finished in yellow, but it’s since been given a two-tone grey wrap.
Inside, Dodd opted for luxe leather with walnut elements, which has since been retrimmed in an all-black color pallet and is in solid condition.
But of course, the Beast’s main talking point is that Rolls-Royce Merlin 27-liter V12 engine, the sort of engine you’d find in WWII-era Supermarine Spitfires and Avro Lancasters.
Although never officially tested under controlled conditions, Dodd is reported to have said the car’s beastly engine was capable of producing between 750 and 850 horsepower, with a top speed of 180mph.
No mean feat back in 1972.
The vehicle has 11,000 miles on the clock and due to its one-off design has appeared in a handful of TV shows and publications.
The one-off vehicle has a hefty valuation
Originally owned by Dodd and his family, the Beast was bought by a new owner a couple of years back.
But now it’s headed to auction on November 29 at Historic Auctioneers.
And the Beast comes with a pretty monstrous valuation of between $98,700 and $131,600.
So, if you fancy getting your hands on a real one-off, then now’s your chance.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
