Kombi Pick-up with Airplane Engine: Surreal Speed

When you imagine one of the most iconic vehicles in the history of motorsport, you certainly think of Volkswagen Kombi comes to mind. Now, what if this Kombi was transformed into a version pick-up equipped with nothing less than a jet engine? It sounds like a crazy science fiction concept, but that's exactly what English entrepreneur Perry Watkins managed to do. And the most impressive thing: he took his creation to a speed surprising 480 km/h.

You may be wondering how this was possible, or even doubting that a Kombi could achieve such a feat. Let’s explore this unique story, understand the challenges faced and see how this seemingly “insane” project became a reality.

The Origin of the Idea: From a British Pub to Reality

Perry Watkins, a businessman from 55 years old and owner of Perrywinkle Customs, a car customization shop, was in a British pub when the idea for this bizarre project came to him. Sitting with some friends, between laughter and relaxed conversation, he found himself discussing ideas innovative and “stupid” to create something single. Not knowing exactly what to do, Perry simply decided that if he had the time and resources, he could transform the old Kombi into something absolutely out of the ordinary.

And so the project to transform a 1958 Kombi (named as Oklahoma Willy) in a vehicle of high performance. Originally, the model spent most of its life on a farm in Oklahoma, in the United States. After acquiring the Kombi and the idea of modifying the vehicle, the businessman isolated himself in his garage for five years, dedicating themselves to transforming this dream into reality.

The Construction Process: How the Kombi Was Transformed into a Jet-Powered Vehicle

The process of transforming the Kombi into a real monster motorized was not simple. The first stage involved the acquisition of a Rolls-Royce Viper 535 jet engine, an engine model developed in the 1970s, originally used in military aircraft. This engine, which was refurbished and polished carefully crafted by Perry, was the starting point for this journey.

Additionally, a afterburner, a device that throws fuel back into the gas stream of the engine, generating extra thrust and increasing power. With this additional thrust of 5,000 pounds, the Kombi, which originally would not exceed 100 km/h, was transformed into a real spoke on wheels.

The work in Kombi pick-up It took Perry two years to rebuild and install the jet engine alone, and another six months to add the afterburner. After this initial work, he imported the original Kombi, which took another year of work. The end result: an impressive vehicle that can reach 480 km/h, a truly noteworthy achievement.

Project Costs: Investment of R$327 thousand

The total cost of the project was 50 thousand pounds (approximately R$ 327 thousand), an amount that may seem exorbitant, but which was necessary to ensure that the Kombi was not just a modified vehicle, but rather a machine of exceptional performance. Perry, who had already been involved in other unusual projects, knew that this investment would be necessary to achieve perfection.

Driving Challenges: What's It Like to Drive a Jet Kombi?

You might be wondering: what would it be like to drive a Jet Kombi over 60 years old and with the aerodynamics of a “brick”? According to Perry himself, driving the modified Kombi was an experience surreal and, in many moments, even scary. During testing, the power of the jet engine was completely unpredictable.

He describes the feeling of being behind the wheel of the Oklahoma Willy how to “tame fireworks”. The experience of driving a vehicle with 5,000 pounds of thrust and the aerodynamics of such an old vehicle could not be easy, and Perry knew that any mistake could result in loss of control, rollover or even a unwanted takeoff.

Although the Kombi was designed to achieve 480 km/h, Perry, during his tests, never exceeded 250 km/h. Still, he described the trip as “scary and fun at the same time”. The Kombi has already made its debut on a race track, on the Holy Pod, in Bedfordshire, and the video of the premiere went viral, reaching over 2 million views on YouTube.

Legalization: The Jet Kombi on the Streets

The most fascinating part of this project, and what may seem like a true miracle, is the fact that the Jet Kombi he was legalized to run on the streets. This was only possible thanks to the original engine that the Kombi still has, working normally, without the need to activate the jet engine.

So Perry can direct his Transformed Kombi on the streets, but it is important to remember that, when doing so, he is only using the original engine. The jet engine, responsible for the impressive speed, is only activated when he is on a track or in a safe place to test the vehicle's capabilities.

The Impact of the Project: Innovation and Passion for Cars

A Oklahoma Willy is not only a demonstration of power, but also a clear example of how a passion for cars can lead to unexpected and absolutely innovative creations. Perry Watkins' work is a reflection of what can be achieved when dedication It is creativity meet with unlimited budget.

The jet-powered Kombi, which is both a symbol of nostalgia and a milestone in automotive innovation, represents a true tribute to the vehicle that has won over generations over the years. But it also serves as a reminder that there are no limits when it comes to transform a dream in reality.

Conclusion: The Revolution by Perry Watkins

Perry Watkins' project shows us that, no matter how much impossible as it may seem, it is possible to transform even the simplest and most classic vehicles into futuristic machines. A Jet Kombi, with its vintage appearance and its power of 480 km/h, is the perfect combination of classic design It is technological innovation. Perry Watkins, with his story, proves that true magic lies in creativity and the desire to take ideas to their limits.

And for you, who admire the Volkswagen Kombi or have a passion for automotive customizations, what do you think of a vehicle that mixes history with high performance? This creation will remain in everyone's memory as an incredible example of how innovation and the tradition can coexist in harmony, challenging the limits of what we thought was possible in the automotive world.

The jet-powered Kombi, with all its history, reminds us that there is nothing impossible for those who have the dream and the necessary resources to make it happen. And you, what would you do if you had an unlimited budget to transform your dream car into something even more epic?