Why would anyone put a jet engine in their car? For Stanford University Mechanical Engineer Ron Patrick, PhD, the answer was simple: “Because I wanted the wildest street-legal car possible.” It’s safe to say he got what he wanted.
This monster has two engines: the stock 90-hp gasoline engine that powers the front wheels, and the 1350-hp jet engine that nearly rips it off the road.
On his website, ronpatrickstuff.com, Patrick outlines how he stitched together his Frankenstein Beetle. He also shows off the beginning of his next project: a jet propelled scooter.
Patrick, who seems to have a certain affinity for finding automotive loop holes, asserts that his car is perfectly legal. “The only pertinent law has to do with how much things can stick out the back of the car. In California, the law says 14in and my VW beetle is 13in.”
But back in 2006, the California Department of Motor Vehicles issued a formal request to a federal agency attempting to ban the Beetle. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any information on where the VW Jet Beetle is today, but if we had to guess, it’s still in Ron Patrick’s hands – getting tuned to perfection and driven with glee.
Patrick says: “The car has a universal appeal to everyone, it’s a little bit of hell wrapped up in metal.”
Looking for a VW Beetle to throw your jet engine inside? Come by Leith Volkswagen of Raleigh today and hop inside one of the all new VW Beetles! Their stock engines are packing much more than 90-hp in the event you don’t want to spend the extra $150,000 for a jet engine.