Cool Old Chrysler

[retropia]

The Chrysler Turbine was designed by Elwood Engel, who had worked for Ford before that.  He was responsible for the early 1960s Lincolns and Thunderbirds, which is why you can see a resemblance, particularly between Thunderbirds of that era and the Turbine.

 

When I saw the photo of the Turbine car being driven on a shopping errand in Los Angeles, I immediately thought "That has to be Jay Leno."  I don't know of any of the other remaining Turbines being owned by private individuals; I think they're all in museums.

 

Turbine technology at the time didn't prove to be practical for cars.  The engines were expensive to build and were thirsty.  I think I read somewhere that they didn't have much low-end torque, thus didn't seem very powerful at low speeds.

 

I think Chrysler still has one Turbine car which is on display in its museum in Auburn Hills.

 

 

[112561]

But wait, there's more!!

1955 Chevrolet Biscayne again!
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[aeoliandave]

Not to stray too far off-thread but what did I find this afternoon at the Flea Market at a 50% discount? I simply could not resist bringing this baby home for $20.

This was Cadillac's Art and Science answer to the Maybach. Had it gone into production it would have sold well among the favoured few, I think.

 

[whirlcool]

Of course nobody other than Jay Leno would have one of these. I thought that Chrysler made sure what was left of these (2 or 3) went into museums only. Well at least Chrysler didn't go after him like the GM people did after people who had the EV-1 electric car. GM sued them to get their cars back.

The body was designed by Ghia of Italy. I agree with Buck. When I see one of these I immediately thing 1965 Thunderbird.

I understand that if you sit at a stoplight idling too long you'll melt the asphalt under the car!

Link to Chrysler Turbine Car Story

Chrysler Turbine Car - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org