1963 Chrysler Turbine Car

Cost $50,000 in 1963 dollars ($377,000 today’s dollars) roughly.

The mid 20th century introduced many innovative and bold new ideas in just about every sector you can think of. Automotive design and engineering were no exception. With the introduction of the ‘space age’, automobile manufacturers began to make Herculean leaps in design and engine development. The 1963 Chrysler Turbine car was one of those bold leaps. It was Chrysler Corporation’s rise to the clarion call of the day to innovate and create. 

The concept of new and evolving ways to power cars became of the challenges of the day. The space age gave rise to new ideas and thinking about automotive design and technology.  Engineers and designers took a leap of faith and began to develop and test concepts that not long ago consumers could only read about in science fiction magazine or see in movies. During this period auto makers took on the task to experiment with different innovate ideas. Power steering, disc brakes, variable speed transmissions, radial tires and more began to find their way into new cars.

The 1963 Chrysler Turbine car was ahead of its time. Engineers had to figure out a way to use the concepts developed in jet engines and make them work in a car that could be mass produced. The Chrysler Turbine was not meant to be a concept; it was meant to be a mass produced vehicle that would introduce an alternative power source from gasoline.  So, what happened to this unique vehicle and why were only 55 ever produced? For one thing it cost, $55,000 in 1963 dollars, so cost was a factor. There was a learning curve that was necessary to prevent engine failure or damage and initially the infrastructure to maintain and support the Chrysler Turbine was not there. If you had a problem your local mechanic could not fix it because they did not have the special tools required. There were other factors that lead to its demise. The video below is a very nice tell all about this car and what eventually happened to them. 

If you’re a collector with a propensity for unique vehicles here’s one that just might find its way on to your ‘must have’ list. Less than 55 that were made and those in the know say only 9 remain today. The 1963 Turbo car was in a class by itself. A car with an engine, based on the principles of a jet engine. It was planned to be the first mass produced car based on jet engine. In a turbine engine exhaust generated by the turbine escapes into the air. Engineers at Chrysler had to find an innovative way to convert that exhaust so it would power the car. In a sense it was not a jet engine vehicle, it was based on jet engine technology.

Embedded below is a full documentary about the Chrysler Turbine. This car could really make a collection stand out as truly unique. Take look and see what you think about one of the projects Chrysler thought about more than 50 years ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOIrB1fwVPc

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