Why did the Chrysler turbine car fail?
Chrysler’s turbine engine program ended in 1979, largely due to the failure of the engines to meet government emissions regulations, relatively poor fuel economy, and as a condition of receiving a government loan in 1979.
Who invented the turbine car?
In the early 1950s, experimental gas turbine power plants were operating on dynamometers and in test vehicles. On March 25, 1954, Chrysler made history by producing the first vehicle powered by a gas turbine engine, a 1954 Plymouth sport coupe. Later, Chrysler would produce more gas turbine vehicles.
How does a turbine car work?
The vast majority of cars on our roads are powered by piston-engined internal combustion engines. A gas turbine, however, has no pistons. Instead, air is compressed and fed into a combustion chamber, into which fuel is sprayed. The fuel/air mixture is then ignited and the gases produced are used to power a turbine.
What killed the turbine car?
Leaded gas left problematic deposits on the turbine blades. In 1963, there certainly weren’t 55 car museums willing and able to adopt and care for these cars. The nine that were saved and allocated to museum seems about right for the times.
How much is a Chrysler Turbine Car worth?
It had a unique look to it, thanks to its beautiful wheels and a very well designed grille that matched the root beer color combination known as “turbine bronze” perfectly. The production cost for an individual car was estimated to be around $50,000, which amounts to over $450,000 today, after adjusting inflation.
Can you buy a turbine car?
Yes, this car is the real deal, one of only two privately owned examples in the world, the other being owned by Jay Leno (of course). Update: March 11th, 11:14 a.m. ET: This Chrysler Turbine Car has sold since the listing was posted. The original link has been updated below.
How much is a Chrysler Turbine worth?
In total, Chrysler only built 55 turbine engine cars. Five are currently in museums, two are owned by Chrysler and one is owned by former Tonight Show host and mega car enthusiast Jay Leno. The collection that sold this prized Chrysler Turbine Car, Hyman Ltd, priced the vehicle at $100,000.
How fast was a Chrysler Turbine Car?
It averages 107.8 mph, with a top speed of 142 mph.
How much did the turbine car sell for?
What is the Chrysler Turbine Car worth today?