We really do! We need this because it will jolt you into a reality we couldn’t otherwise have ever imagined. We’ve all seen jet cars-especially at the drag races. But strapping your butt into one of these has got to be insane. And it’s for sale on Craigslist. We all need this jet-powered Beetle. 

There are a few downsides to this Sunday fun day joy ride

But there are a few downsides to this Sunday fun day joy ride. First, there aren’t too many places you could legally drive this. Actually, there are none. Secondly, the asking price is $500,000. That’s a lot to pay for a thrill you can’t drive on the 405 freeway. And to go along with that, the turbine oil used as fuel runs about $25 a quart. So, there’s that.

And just for some history, this isn’t the first jet-powered VW bug. That honor goes back to the early 1960s and a company called Turbonique. It used to offer different forms of jet propulsion you could attach to your car. Through mail-order. No, we’re not kidding. The jet-powered, N-propyl nitrate-fueled Turbonique “Black Widow” VW was destroyed in an uncontrollable spectacle of un-Godly proportions. Fortunately, the driver survived.

In the back resides a 300 lb. General Electric Model T58-8F jet engine

Back to our subject, it started as a typical 2000 VW Beetle. The Ph.D. who devised the setup kept the stock engine in front. In the back resides a 300 lb. General Electric Model T58-8F jet engine. It adds about 1,350 hp. A simple throttle lever on the dash controls insanity. 

Here’s a fun little anecdote courtesy of the seller, “The force from the jet is harnessed using sandwich plates bolted to contoured aluminum billets inserted into the frame rails. The engine has rigid mounts with rubber bushings in the front and the back are sliding. It grows as it warms up so the engine mounts have to account for this.” 

Heat blankets have been strategically placed to keep things inside and outside from melting due to the excessive jet-engine heat that is generated. Inside, the stock interior has been pretty much retained. Except for that jet engine sitting in the back seat. Gauges that monitor the jet engine have been placed around the steering wheel. 

The nice part about this converted bug is that it only has 3,000 miles on it

The nice part about this converted bug is that it only has 3,000 miles on it. So it has barely been used. And we seriously doubt the owner has resorted to any roll-back shenanigans. So you can sleep knowing you’ve gotten into an ultra-low mileage creampuff. 

If you’re serious or just curious there is a lot more info in the Craigslist post about the bug. After all, it’s best to be fully informed before you start negotiations.