Simon Lipscombe, a chief mechanic, recently embarked on an unusual project: he installed a jet engine – purchased on eBay – into his Ford pickup truck. This seemingly outlandish endeavor isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds, according to Lipscombe, who offers a surprisingly simple explanation of how jet engines operate.
Understanding the Basics
Lipscombe’s understanding of jet engine mechanics is refreshingly straightforward. “A jet engine is not that much different from an internal combustion engine in that it pushes the air in, squeezes it, ignites it and pushes it out,” he states. This accessible explanation would likely have resonated with Sir Frank Whittle, the inventor of the jet engine.
The Acquisition: A Shackleton Engine on eBay
The journey began with an online purchase. Lipscombe located a jet engine—originally from a Mk3 Avro Shackleton—on eBay. This particular plane was equipped with two jet engines, supplementing the power of its Griffin V12 propeller engines. According to Lipscombe, obtaining the engine and necessary components cost him and his father, Richard, around £2000. He explained that the engine delivers 2600lb of thrust.
From Garage Tinkering to Operation
After bringing the engine home, Lipscombe devoted time to understanding its workings. “I started fiddling around, working out what everything did,” he shared. He leveraged online resources, particularly YouTube, to gain insights and guidance.
His initial test run was a memorable experience. “Once I had worked it out, I decided to run it up, so screwed it to a trailer attached to a tree,” Lipscombe recounts. With friends safely positioned behind an 8ft dirt bank, he focused on checking for oil leaks, demonstrating a pragmatic, hands-on approach.
The Pickup Project: A Powerful Upgrade
With the engine functional, the next logical step was to integrate it into a vehicle. “I already had a Ford P100 with a V8 in the back, so another with a jet engine seemed like a good plan,” he explained.
The Ford P100, capable of carrying a ton of cargo and boasting an 8ft load bay, provided an ideal platform. The jet engine, relatively compact and weighing around 800kg, fit the vehicle’s dimensions well. Lipscombe acquired an unrestored P100 for as little as £2000, keeping costs manageable.
Simon Lipscombe’s project highlights a fascinating blend of mechanical expertise, online resourcefulness, and a touch of adventurous ingenuity.
The project demonstrates how accessible technological components – even those as complex as jet engines – have become, and the remarkable DIY spirit of individuals willing to experiment and innovate. It’s a unique case of repurposing vintage aircraft technology to create a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle
