it has three rocket engines driven by a fire extinguisher generating incredible but unmeasurable thrust. Photo / Supplied
Hamiltonians do it again!
Consultant John Powell and his friend dairy worker Paul Mulligan have converted a 2006 Nissan Presage station wagon into the Endeavour Space Shuttle to raise money for Starship children's hospital.
But its flight is subject to CAA approval.
They said this is an ideal vehicle for Kiwis "to the airport and beyond".
It also has detachable wings and liberal overuse of Nasa signage, he said.
However, the downside is the vessel does use unleaded 91 petrol as a fuel source, the price of which seems to be flying higher than the Endeavour but this fuel type is a whole lot cheaper than the liquid hydrogen which retails roughly for about $10 per kg.
Its engine size is 3490cc with a safety rating of three stars for both driver and passengers.
"We'll throw in a full tank of 91 including a WOF until March 2023," Powell said.
The vessel is fully detachable within 10 minutes, the wings unclip so it can be driven on the road. The whole tail and rocket structure can be removed and the back bumper refitted should you wish to convert it back into a humble Nissan Presage.
In other words, you have a fully convertible rocket that you can park right in your garage.
Powell said the money from the sale of this intricately built machine will go to the Starship Foundation to support the Starship children's hospital.
"It is a real head-turner that gets attention where ever it goes.
"Beauty on the wings," he said.
"As you can see from the video, the rocket engine performance closely replicates Nasa engines but not close enough to risk patent infringement.