This Turbojet-Powered Mercedes-Benz Limo Dragster Is a Rad Fever Dream
Retro tuner Mercedes vehicles have always possessed a certain allure, whether it’s the understated elegance of Lorinsers or the bold and extravagant features of a Koenig-Special. These classic machines often scream for more power, and the turbojet-powered, neon-hued Mercedes-Benz stretch limousine currently available for sale on Bring a Trailer takes this desire to its extreme.
Beneath its elongated W126 S-Class exterior, this car is a tube-chassis dragster that houses a 1953 Westinghouse J34 turbojet engine with a diesel-fueled afterburner protruding from the rear. The engine, originating from a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk fighter jet, was installed in the dragster during the 1990s. It finds its place snugly under an aluminum rear spoiler, barely contained. The listing boasts additional features such as a fire suppression system, two parachutes, and four-wheel disc brakes. Additionally, it comes with a 44-foot triple-axle trailer equipped with air conditioning, overhead lighting, a built-in storage compartment, and even an escape hatch through the roof. This machine means serious business.
Underneath its eccentric exterior, the dragster reveals a more conventional setup with a roll cage, bucket seat, and five-point harnesses to ensure driver safety. The dashboard is stripped down, sporting only the essential gauges for exhaust gas temperature, oil pressure, and engine RPM. Unfortunately, there is no transmission or differential, making it impractical for cruising to prom in this limo.
While it may not have the luxurious comfort of a 1000 SEL, it does have one clear purpose: speed. With this dragster, there’s no need to worry about a cathode-ray-tube TV becoming dislodged mid-launch.
The rad-era vibes emanate from the shiny polished multi-piece wheels, perfectly complementing the lightning-strike-themed bright magenta, orange, yellow, and white airbrushed paint job that takes us back to the 1990s. The intake ducts on both sides, feeding the mighty jet engine at the rear, add an authentic period-correct touch
The seller emphasizes that this is not a showpiece; they have invested considerable effort since acquiring the car in 2004 to prepare it for action. They have replaced various components, including suspension rod ends, wheel bearings, afterburner solenoids, brake pads, brake master cylinders, stainless steel brake lines, exhaust gas temperature probes, and the corresponding wiring harness. They have also performed maintenance tasks such as cleaning the motor igniters, fuel rail, fuel nozzles, and rebuilding the starter. The car shows signs of use with scratches and paint chips, prompting the owner to include additional dragster-style bodywork. However, these imperfections only add to its undeniable charm.
If I were to choose a standout vehicle for Radwood, this would undoubtedly be my top pick over any overpriced, never-used auction darling. Just look at it. I can almost hear the “Duck Tales” theme playing in the background, as I am certain that this is what Scrooge McDuck would have wanted to arrive in for prom, had it been an option. This limo is a long tube filled with concentrated ’90s nostalgia, making it impossible not to fall in love with.
As of now, the bidding has reached $3,000 with seven days remaining, and transporting it outside of Hawaii might present an additional challenge. However, all we can say is: Go for it. Check out the complete listing with more pictures here.
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