Chrysler Turbine Car ‘1963
The Chrysler Turbine Car was the first and only consumer test ever conducted of gas turbine-powered cars.
Of the total 55 units built (5 prototypes and 50 “production” cars), most were scrapped at the end of a trial period, with only nine remaining in museums and private collections.
Though Chrysler’s turbine engine project was terminated in 1977, the Turbine Car was the high point of a three decade project to perfect the engine for practical use.
“The fourth-generation Chrysler turbine engine ran at up to 60,000 rpm and could use diesel fuel, unleaded gasoline, kerosene, JP-4 jet fuel, and even vegetable oil. The engine would run on virtually anything and the president of Mexico tested this theory by running one of the first cars — successfully — on tequila.”
It was also made by Ghia, and that’s why it looks good.
Also check out Jay Leno’s documentary and road test of this interesting concept developed at the wrong time.
