The
1963 Chrysler Turbine Cars, of which 55 were built, were powered
by gas turbine engines.
The Turbine Cars were built for use in the only consumer test
ever undertaken by gas turbine-powered cars. 203 people were
selected to test the cars, for several month each.
At first Chrysler had a number of problems with the early engines
but these were mostly fixed with subsequent versions. The fourth-generation
Chrysler turbine engine, which ran at up to 45,700 rpm, would
run on diesel fuel, unleaded gasoline, kerosene, JP-4 jet fuel,
even vegetable oil. No adjustments were needed to switch from
one to another. Its power turbine was connected, without a torque
converter, through a gear reduction unit to an otherwise ordinary
TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
The bodywork and interiors of the Chrysler Turbine Cars were
created by Ghia, based in Italy. Once the cars reached Chrysler
the gas turbine engines, transmissions and electrical components
were installed.
Add
more information on this car |
Home page