MerlinCar.com[email protected]
One-of-a-kind custom build

1932 Ford Phaeton
with V12 Power

A hand-built custom Phaeton combining classic hot-rod style with a highly modified Rolls-Royce-designed Meteor V12 and modern automotive engineering.

1647 cu. in. V12Approx. 1000 hpUp to 1550 ft-lbAllison 6-speed automatic
The Car

Seven years of work. Thousands of man-hours.

This vehicle is a hand-built custom construction representing a 1932 Ford Phaeton. It is not a stretch or modification of an existing production car.

The engine is a highly modified 1647 cubic-inch Rolls-Royce-designed Meteor Mk-IV. The Meteor belongs to the same Rolls-Royce engine family as the legendary Merlin aircraft engine. While many parts are interchangeable, the Meteor was developed for ground use and differs from the Merlin in several important ways.

The engine is coupled to an Allison World 3000 Series six-speed automatic transmission. The car also uses modern systems including power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, electric water-pump cooling and independent front suspension.

The interior seats four in comfort and includes a concealed audio system, an Art Deco-style instrument panel and modern instrumentation. A removable top provides open-air touring and an expansive view.

The finished car has received numerous awards, including two “Best in Class” honors and two “Best Engineering in Show” honors.

1932 Ford Phaeton displayed at an indoor car show Tan interior and dashboard of the custom 1932 Ford Phaeton
Technical

Rolls-Royce-designed Meteor Mk-IV V12

The powerplant combines components from Meteor and Merlin engine variants with modern automotive systems and dual electronic ignition.

1647 cu. in.Displacement
12 cylindersAll aluminum, liquid cooled, 60° V
~1000 hpEstimated horsepower
1550 ft-lbUp to 1500 RPM

Engine

Bore: 5.4 in.   Stroke: 6.0 in.

Valves: 4 per cylinder, actuated by roller rockers

Dimensions: 88.7 in. long × 30.8 in. wide × 40 in. high

Weight: approximately 1640 lb.

Transmission & Chassis

Transmission: Allison World 3000 Series, 6-speed automatic with overdrive

Controls: WTEC II electronic engine controls

Features: independent front suspension, rear coil-over shocks, four-wheel disc brakes, power rack-and-pinion steering

Tires: Mickey Thompson Sportsman — 28×10R18LT front, 31×18R18LT rear

Watch & Listen

The car and engine in action

The Build

People and inspiration behind the project

The original site documented the people, ideas and fabrication that helped bring the car together. These moments remain part of the car’s story.

Joe Tolley working on fabricated intake components

Joe Tolley

Gifted fabricator working on the intake system.

San Diego Aerospace Museum at night

The Inspiration

The San Diego Aerospace Museum inspired the idea behind “MerlinCar” when the builder was 13 years old.

Early arrival of the large V12 engine for the project

The Arrival

Circa 2006: the arrival of the massive V12 that would become the heart of the project.

Richie tuning the carburetors

Richie

Tuning the carburetors during development.

Tim Tarris standing beside a custom hot rod

Tim Tarris

In 2009, Col. (Ret.) Tim Tarris of Talon Rod & Custom in Tucson built a car around the engine and transmission assembly.

Jessie fabricating the frame beside the V12 engine

Jessie

Fabricating the frame around the project’s immense powerplant.

Recognition

A car built to stand apart

The car has earned two “Best in Class” awards and two “Best Engineering in Show” awards. Its combination of scale, craftsmanship and unconventional V12 power makes it a truly distinctive custom build.

Trophy and award plaques displayed beside the burgundy bodywork
Contact

MerlinCar

Questions about the car or its history?

[email protected]