In the 1960s, the automotive industry witnessed a groundbreaking experiment that aimed to revolutionize the way we think about propulsion systems. The Chrysler Turbine Car, an audacious venture by the Chrysler Corporation, captivated the world with its futuristic design and unbelievable engine. Despite its limited production and ultimate fate, the Chrysler Turbine Car left an indelible mark on automotive history. Today, a select few of these extraordinary vehicles can be found in various locations, each preserving the legacy of this remarkable technological achievement.

The idea for the Chrysler Turbine Car originated in the early 1950s when engineers at Chrysler explored the potential of gas turbine engines for automotive applications. Led by George Huebner, the project aimed to develop a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion engines. The Turbine team would fit various prototype engines to Plymouths, Dodges, and various concept cars over the next decade, with each one enjoying its own smattering of success and spectacle. CR2A engines (the prototypes used for testing from 1961-63) would become the standard from which subsequent experiments were judged; it was a 140 bhp engine with a built-in torque converter that weighed up to 450 pounds less that other piston engines of the same size.

Once the CR2A became familiar enough to the turbine design team, they set to work on a next-generation turbine under the instruction of new company president Lynn Townsend. Once this new model–the A-831–was complete, Chrysler prepared to unveil it to the world in spectacular fashion. They did so at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, where the futuristic look and operation of the car were well received. Visual styling was overseen by a joint effort of Elwood Engel, who had previously designed the Ford Thunderbird, and the Italian design studio Ghia. The result was a cross between familiar designs of the period and futuristic aluminum accents that differentiated the car’s front and back ends from any competitors.

The namesake turbine engine also took a few departures from conventional combustion power. Since the turbine’s power came from hot exhaust gasses rather than piston-based combustion, it could run on a variety of fuels that produced compatible exhausts, including diesel fuel, unleaded gas, kerosine, vegetable oils, and even jet fuel. It also lasted longer than traditional engines, requiring less maintenance due to its relatively simpler design, and could start more reliably in variable weather conditions. 

In order to better understand the true viability of their new engine, Chrysler produced a total of 55 Chrysler Turbine Cars as part of a public field test program from 1963 to 1964. The program allowed selected individuals from all the contiguous 48 states to drive the vehicles for three months, collecting valuable feedback on performance, reliability, and user experience. Despite widely cited issues such as difficulty starting the engine and lackluster acceleration, the Turbine Car was generally well-received by most test subjects, who managed to drive the prototypes a combined one million miles over the course of the program. Unfortunately for those testers, the Turbine would never see full-scale production. Car manufacturers are infamous for gatekeeping prototype cars for commercial purchase due to safety risks, and Chrysler immediately scrapped 46 out of 55 of the Turbines in line with this philosophy.

Even though the bulk of their number was destroyed, nine of these remarkable vehicles have been preserved and can be found in various locations today, serving as a testament to the audacity and innovation of the project. One such location is the Stahls Automotive Collection in Chesterfield, Michigan, which displays the Turbine alongside other limited-run concept vehicles such as the Tucker 48. Other collections include Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum, the archives of the Smithsonian galleries, and even the private garage of lifelong car collector and enthusiast Jay Leno. It’s clear to see that history repeats itself here; the small population that had access to the Turbine Car in the 1960s enjoyed it despite its fate, and the few people who preserve the remaining models are proud to continue to keep these amazing cars alive.

The Chrysler Turbine Car remains an extraordinary chapter in automotive history, representing the spirit of innovation and exploration that drives the industry forward. Despite its limited production and commercial viability, the Turbine Car challenged conventional thinking and opened new possibilities for alternative propulsion systems. Visiting the locations where the remaining Turbines reside allows enthusiasts and curious visitors to share in that early appreciation for the car and see the engineering ingenuity behind this remarkable chapter in automotive innovation.

References:

Chrysler Turbine Car - Wikipedia

Revisiting the Future with the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car (caranddriver.com)

This Is What Happened To The Legendary Chrysler Turbine Cars (hotcars.com)