Brian Lohnes on Instagram: "The Penguin! This massive vehicle was built in 1939 for the exploration of Antarctica. It cost $150,000 then so about 2.7-million now. Weighing 75,000lbs, rolling on 10-ft tall Goodyear tires, and packing a pair of monster Cummins engines that powered electric traction motors at each wheel, it had a top speed of 30mph. Incredibly it was DRIVEN from Illinois to Boston on PUBLIC ROADS! Once in Boston it was shipped to Antarctica. The monster was a horrible failure. The slick tires were ineffective, it fell through the off-loading ramps and achieved none of its stated goals. WWII broke out and the crew abandoned ship and headed for home. The Penguin was rediscovered in 1958, encased in ice. It has never been seen again. Standing 12’ tall, 55’ long, and 19’ wide it was the largest land vehicle ever built at that point. It carried 2,500 gallons of diesel and sipped it, getting 2mpg. #huge #fail #massive #explore #wild #huge #antarctica #balls #guts #diesel #un...
2,564 likes, 54 comments - brianlohnes on April 14, 2018: "The Penguin! This massive vehicle was built in 1939 for the exploration of Antarctica. It cost $150,000 then so about 2.7-million now. Weighing 75,000lbs, rolling on 10-ft tall Goodyear tires, and packing a pair of monster Cummins engines that powered electric traction motors at each wheel, it had a top speed of 30mph. Incredibly it was DRIVEN from Illinois to Boston on PUBLIC ROADS! Once in Boston it was shipped to Antarctica. The monster was a horrible failure. The slick tires were ineffective, it fell through the off-loading ramps and achieved none of its stated goals. WWII broke out and the crew abandoned ship and headed for home. The Penguin was rediscovered in 1958, encased in ice. It has never been seen again. Standing 12’ tall, 55’ long, and 19’ wide it was the largest land vehicle ever built at that point. It carried 2,500 gallons of diesel and sipped it, getting 2mpg. #huge #fail #massive #explore #wild #huge #antarctica #balls #guts #diesel #unique #oneoff #brave #horsepower #size".