32 FORD PHAETON WITH SPITFIRE V-12 POWER

This magnificent vehicle is a hand built custom construction representing a 1932 Ford Phaeton. It is not a stretch or modification. Almost 7 years in the build, thousands of man hours were dedicated to its completion. The engine is a highly modified 1647 cubic inch Rolls-Royce designed Meteor Mk-IV. At 1600 lb/ft, this engine delivers the torque of 3 big block Chevrolet motors, while producing an estimated 1000 hp. The Meteor engine is essentially a Merlin aircraft engine without the supercharger. While most parts between the two engines are interchangeable, the Meteor has the added benefit of roller rockers actuating the 4 valves per cylinder. This power plant is a hybrid of the two motors and contains parts from both coupled with modern electronics and carburetion. The transmission is an Allison World 3000 6-speed automatic. The car features 4-wheel power disc brakes and power steering. The visual impact of this beautiful engine under the hood has no peer.

The interior seats four in style and comfort. A concealed audio system delights the senses while sleek consoles and selective storage areas surround you. From the driver’s seat your scan moves across the banjo style steering wheel to the art deco style instrument panel where critical engine parameters are displayed. Center stage is the modern and highly accurate GPS sensing speedometer. The removable top provides ease of access and an unprecedented panoramic view when open touring.

The car has won numerous awards including two “Best in Class” and two “Best Engineering in Show”. This unique one of a kind vehicle provides a driving experience like no other. Personally owning it provides a sense of oneness with man, machine and legend.

TECHNICAL

This Meteor engine is part of a family of engines originally designed by Rolls-Royce that were used in WW II aircraft such as the Spitfire and Mustang and bore the name Merlin. There were several licensed manufacturers of these motors throughout the 1940’s. Rolls-Royce also licensed Rover to produce the engine as well. The Rover “Meteor” engine was intended for ground use and in many ways is more advanced than the Merlin engine. The Meteor engine unlike the Merlin has roller rockers and rotates in the same direction as a car engine. This allows for an automatic transmission installation. While most parts on the Meteor and Merlin are interchangeable, the Meteor does not have a supercharger. The engine in this car is a Mk-IVB, but contains parts from both engines combined with modern automotive components. It was completely rebuilt in late 2012 by “Vintage V-12’s”, a licensed aircraft engine repair shop located in Tehachapi, Calif. The engine sports dual “Direct Fire Ignition” systems, dual Holley’s, dual GM style alternators, and a GM style power steering pump. Torque is the name of the game with these big motors and this engine prior to modifications produced nearly 1600 ft pounds. With all the engine improvements in induction systems and ignition, horsepower is unknown at this point. “Vintage V-12’s” is an aircraft engine rebuild shop located in Tehachapi, Calif. that recently overhauled this motor and is a good source of parts down the road.

To get the nearly 1600 lb./ft. of torque and to the road, the engine is coupled up to a World Allison 3000 series automatic 6-speed transmission. Use of the Allison transmission hooked up to the caterpillar bell housing also allowed use of a modern truck style starter that replaces the aircraft starter. Aircraft starters are expensive and turn the motor over rather slowly making starting potentially problematic.

Cooling is accompli shed by an electric water pump pumping coolant through dual radiators.

Additional features include; independent front suspension, rear coil over shocks, 4-wheel disc brakes, and power rack & pinion steering. The car is rolling on Mickey Thompson Sportsman tires: front 28×10 R18LT, rear 31×18 R18LT.

Gifted Fabricator… Joe Tolley working on the intake system.

Inspiration for “merlincar” ..the San Diego Aerospace museum…when the builder was 13 years old! Note the original aerospace museum was burned to the ground by a lunatic. The picture is of the current facility. (WARNING: “Do not let 13 year old boys look at 1940’s aircraft engines”), give them adult magazines…it will be cheaper in the end!

Creator…Circa 2006… a new arrival for an expectant father…. yummmm… big motors !!…

Richie tuning up the caburetors

In 2009, Colonel (RET) Tim Tarris, owner of “Talon Rod & Custom” in Tucson AZ built a car around the engine/transmission assembly. Col Tarris enjoyed this project but lamented it was not a 60,000 hp F-111 that he was used to driving!

Jessie fabricating the frame

The Engine

If only Jay Leno had known who was standing next to him !!!! (Joe Tolley)

Side view

1932 FORD “PHAETON”

Engine – Rolls Royce designed “Meteor Mark IV”

The Meteor engine is a Merlin aircraft engine variant with some differences such as the lack of a Supercharger.
The Meteor was the first of these large engines to employ roller rockers to actuate the 4 valves per cylinder.

This highly modified engine contains components from both the Merlin and the Meteor engine variants along with automotive components including dual electronic ignition units firing 2 plugs per cylinder.

Type – 12 Cylinder, All Aluminum, Liquid Cooled, 60 Degree Vee

Displacement – 1647 C.I. Bore – 5.4″ Stroke – 6.0″ Valves – 4 per cylinder, Actuated by Roller Rockers

Length – 88.7″ Width – 30.8″ Height 40″ Weight – 1640 lbs.

Horsepower – 1000 (estimated)

Torque – Up to 1550 FT/LBS at 1500 RPM !

Transmission – Allison World 3000 Series

6 – Speed Automatic with O/D Weight 750 LBS

WTEC II Electronic Engine Controls – CAT 3208 Bell Housing Adapter and Starter.

Can handle up to 2000 lbs. of torque!

Features

Mickey Thompson “Sportsman” Tires: Front – 28x10R18LT Rear – 31×18 R18LT

Independent Front Suspension, Rear Coil Over Shocks, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes

3-Radiators, Electric Water Pump, Power Rack & Pinion Steering, Power Brakes

Contact: [email protected]