Check out a rocket car and Richard Hammond’s failed killer

A recent YouTube video sheds light on the Vampire, a 12,000-horsepower rocket car that still holds the title of the absolute fastest land vehicle in the UK, and once nearly claimed the life of ex-Top Gear host Richard Hammond.

The Vampire was a custom build powered by a Rolls-Royce jet engine specifically for record-breaking speed runs. Around four decades ago, it managed to exceed 300 miles per hour (483 km/h), and no other vehicle make in the UK has broken that record so far. When exerting its peak torque, the jet installation consumes between 30 and 45 liters (8 and 12 U.S. gallons) of fuel per mile (1.6 kilometers).

Richard Hammond was among the people hoping to reach the 300mph mark with the Vampire, but a burst front tire nearly put an end to his career. Hammond survived thanks to a helmet and a safety cage, but the car was nearly completely destroyed. It was subsequently rebuilt to peak condition, although the host in the video says “built again from scratch” is perhaps a more fitting term.

He adds that some minor details need polishing before the Vampire can be launched again, but once it happens it will be able to set new speed records. As of right now, the car is not drivable, but you can start its jet engine as long as you hold it in place with heavy chains – as the video proceeds to demonstrate rather impressively.