This Turbojet-Powered Mercedes-Benz Limousine Dragster Is Now Up For Auction
by AutoExpert | 4 August, 2022
This neon-colored, turbojet-powered Mercedes-Benz limousine that is now for sale on Bring a Trailer is the subject of today's article. A two-piece fiberglass body has been added to the tube-chassis dragster such that it mimics a Mercedes-Benz W126 limousine.
A Westinghouse J34 turbojet engine with afterburner powers the quarter-mile, block-long missile. Although we don't know the precise J34 it employs, the turbine can generate 3000 pounds of thrust even with no afterburner.
Since there is no straightforward conversion between thrust and horsepower, it is difficult to grasp precisely how fast this machine is. Fortunately, there is a video showing what appears to be the same limousine performing an exhibition pass in New Jersey in 1995 at 235 mph. According to the video, the engine produces more than 15,000 horsepower.
Although the dragster's engine is sophisticated, it has a modest cockpit. There are only a steering yoke, three gauges, and levers for the throttle and parachute. No controls for pitch or roll. Right now, this Mercedes-Benz limo is in Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Its price is yet unknown. However, getting a 44-foot trailer back to the mainland isn't cheap. The bidding has begun at $3500, and the current bid is already $20,000.