stuart Posted March 13, 2023 Report Share Posted March 13, 2023 John Dodd built Merlin engined car is for sale now I see, I used to love the stories of him blasting past flat out Mercs and Porsche on the Autobahns back in the day and Irate owners ringing Rolls Royce asking where they could buy their latest model that had just blown them into the weeds. https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1972-john-dodds-the-beast-8bEqL4 Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bluestone Posted March 13, 2023 Report Share Posted March 13, 2023 There's an interesting piece on Youtube (Driving the Beast by The Late Brake Show). It only went on-line a few days ago and the car is being driven around on public roads ahead of the auction. The Youtube video lasts almost 30 mins and is well worth watching. Ray Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted March 13, 2023 Report Share Posted March 13, 2023 Love it! Wasn't there a Merlin-powered car in the 1950s that was famous for repeatedly outrunning the speed cops in Belgium? Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Harbottle Posted March 13, 2023 Report Share Posted March 13, 2023 Well I've measured the garage but, the streets too small Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mike ellis Posted March 13, 2023 Report Share Posted March 13, 2023 I remember seeing the Capri style forerunner at a Greenham Common sprint in the early '70s. Literally a fire breathing monster. Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted March 13, 2023 Report Share Posted March 13, 2023 I saw the Beast at Santa Pod back in the '70's misfiring a lot, with clouds of black smoke ! maybe it's been tuned since then. Bob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Moltu Posted March 14, 2023 Report Share Posted March 14, 2023 Imagine if it had the Griffon engine? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted March 14, 2023 Report Share Posted March 14, 2023 Slight tangent An old friend of mine was selling his Minerva. Similar price range but a very different vehicle. https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/your-classics/your-classics-ed-marriott-and-his-27-litre-minerva-liberty-special/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ianc Posted March 15, 2023 Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 We usually see two or more of such frightening beasts at Kop Hill each year, along with others having more modest engines (about 10-15 litres). Very entertaining, as the "bodywork" often consists of little more than a wickerwork seat ! And some are driven by those who, because of age/infirmity, struggle to get aboard - but once aboard, they have fun ! Ian Cornish Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony_C Posted March 15, 2023 Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 Don’t know if I am just getting old and or my dog just dying has made me so miserable……. However, this was a vehicle that filled me with awe back in the day and now I can only see a ‘tatty monstrosity’!? Sure I will get over it and best of luck to whoever takes it on (at that price!) but, certainly not for me….. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deggers Posted March 15, 2023 Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 1 hour ago, Tony_C said: Don’t know if I am just getting old and or my dog just dying has made me so miserable……. Very sorry to hear that, Tony. I remember when we lost ours. You must be beside yourself. Deggers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted March 15, 2023 Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 “Tatty monstrosity” works for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobH Posted March 15, 2023 Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 (edited) 6 hours ago, ianc said: We usually see two or more of such frightening beasts at Kop Hill each year,............ Very entertaining, as the "bodywork" often consists of little more than a wickerwork seat ! Like this one, seen about 5 years ago at a local car show ? Admire the safety of that final drive mech! Edited March 15, 2023 by RobH Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chilliman Posted March 15, 2023 Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 5 hours ago, Drewmotty said: “Tatty monstrosity” works for me. +1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ben Freer Posted March 15, 2023 Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 +2. Clearly North Devonians have taste! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony_C Posted March 25, 2023 Report Share Posted March 25, 2023 On 3/15/2023 at 11:35 AM, Tony_C said: Don’t know if I am just getting old and or my dog just dying has made me so miserable……. However, this was a vehicle that filled me with awe back in the day and now I can only see a ‘tatty monstrosity’!? Sure I will get over it and best of luck to whoever takes it on (at that price!) but, certainly not for me….. Look what I’ve just gone and done…….. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony_C Posted March 25, 2023 Report Share Posted March 25, 2023 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony_C Posted March 25, 2023 Report Share Posted March 25, 2023 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hamish Posted March 25, 2023 Report Share Posted March 25, 2023 Nooooo you didn’t !!?? 72,500 is good value. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted March 25, 2023 Report Share Posted March 25, 2023 Epsom Downs !! My back yard ! Bob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony_C Posted March 26, 2023 Report Share Posted March 26, 2023 Yep Bob…. Firstly however, apologies to Hamish (all) for my mischievous behaviour….I did not / would not bid on this beast’… John Dodd was from Epsom and the car has now ‘come back home’ according to his son, Paul, who I was chatting with along with the new custodian whilst trying to get her to fire-up…..think we managed about two cylinders before I finally baled out when they resorted to trying every switch on the dash (which did get the indicator going) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Motorsport Mickey Posted March 26, 2023 Report Share Posted March 26, 2023 "Look what I’ve just gone and done…….." Lost all credibility ? Mick Richards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony_C Posted March 27, 2023 Report Share Posted March 27, 2023 Ha… Never assume(d) to have any Mick.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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