The Beast: The Story of a One-of-a-Kind Car Powered by a Fighter Jet Engine

The story of The Beast began in the 1960s, when American builders were increasingly turning old domestic cars into wild custom creations. One of those projects, completed in 1969, was given the name The Beast and fitted with an engine from a fighter jet.

The powerplant installed in The Beast was a General Electric J79 turbojet engine, the same basic engine family used in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. It was reportedly capable of producing more than 17,000 horsepower, allowing the car to reach speeds of more than 300 mph.

Building The Beast took more than a year. The car was extensively rebuilt and modified to accommodate an engine of such enormous size and power. Its body was constructed from aluminum panels, while the front section was stretched to make room for the jet engine.

The exterior was also heavily modified, giving The Beast an aggressive, intimidating appearance. The car was equipped with an ignition and fuel-injection system derived from the F-4 Phantom II, allowing the engine to operate at extremely high speeds without suffering from performance problems.

Once the project was completed, The Beast became an instant sensation and attracted plenty of attention from enthusiasts fascinated by extreme automotive creations. The car changed hands several times, with subsequent owners continuing to modify and improve it.

Despite its spectacular performance, The Beast had plenty of drawbacks. It was extremely heavy and difficult to handle, while its fuel consumption was extraordinarily poor. The immense power also placed enormous stress on the tires and other mechanical components, leading to rapid wear.

The Beast was eventually sold in 1989, and its whereabouts have remained unknown ever since. Even so, the bizarre machine has remained a memorable part of automotive history for enthusiasts drawn to the most extreme creations.