A fire-breathing dog? You better believe it

Wednesday 18 March

Remember the Mondospider? Thought that was scary? Well prepare for one’s pants to be well and truly soiled, because I’ve been out to Italy to check out LRRY the mechanical dog. Doesn’t sound scary? Well, how about if we mention that he looks like something out of Mad Max crossed with something from Aliens and he can breathe fire through his nostrils? Yeah, thought that might get your attention.

LRRY is powered by an old 2CV engine, so he’s got more grunt than your average canine. The drive shafts are connected to the legs, like bicycle pedals are connected to a bike. The only difference being that this is much more powerful and it’ll scare old ladies.

The piece de resistance, though? Those flames that come out the nostrils, made possible by hidden gas canisters in LRRY’s rear. Seriously, this beast has only ever been ridden by two people. Its creator, and now, me…