Merlin V12-Powered 1930 Rolls-Royce "Speed Wagon"

Insight summary

• •A 1930 Rolls-Royce has been converted to use a 27-liter Merlin V12 aero engine originally developed for WWII aircraft.
• •The car features a manual gearbox, unusual for aero-engine road cars typically equipped with automatics.
• •The Merlin engine powered iconic aircraft like the Spitfire and P-51 Mustang, producing up to 2,000+ horsepower in later versions.
• •The engine's tank variant, the Meteor, powered British tanks until 1964 and shares displacement with the Merlin.
• •Post-WWII, few enthusiasts installed surplus Merlin/Meteor engines into road cars, creating rare, powerful vehicles.
• •This custom car retains original 1930 chassis and brake hardware with modern Michelin tires and lightweight aluminum bodywork.
• •The vehicle will be auctioned by Mecum at Monterey, California, noted for its unique engineering and historical significance.