The John Dodd 'Beast' is a custom-built car with a unique feature: an oversized hood that extends more than half of the vehicle's total length. This 19-foot-long car, crafted in the UK in the early 1970s, boasts a 27-liter Rolls-Royce Merlin V12 engine, originally designed for World War II aircraft. The hood, aside from its impressive length, features air vents and a raised center section to accommodate the massive engine beneath. The car's body, made from fiberglass, has a long hood, two doors, and an extended section resembling a station wagon. The sides showcase wide, smooth panels with mesh-covered air vents and chrome door handles, reminiscent of 1970s designs. The roof has a large sunroof, and the windows are flat and wide, providing excellent visibility. The rear of the car extends into a spacious cargo area, with a large, angled rear window and a simple rear bumper. The rims are polished aluminum, giving the car a sleek, reflective finish. The 'Beast' is painted in a two-tone metallic grey, with a horizontal division between lighter and darker shades, creating a striking contrast. This custom-built car is a true engineering marvel, blending mechanical complexity with drivability, and is set to be auctioned by Historics Auctioneers on November 29, 2025.
