Chrysler entered the second phase of its gas turbine project, completing 50 smartly styled, Ghia-designed prototypes for testing by 200 customers. With its whooshing jet-aircraft sound, distinctive exterior and a space-age interior filled with a massive console, the Chrysler Turbine Car would not be confused with any other vehicle. But the realities of poor mileage [11.5 mpg] and high production costs brought the project to a quiet close.
The Chrysler Turbine Car, a futuristic two-door coupe, was produced between 1963 and 1964. The limited-production Chrysler Turbine Car, a showcase for Chrysler’s renowned engineering capabilities, demonstrated the practicality of turbine propulsion systems in passenger cars.
- Production: 55 cars were built: five prototypes and 50 for a public loan program.
- Engine: Powered by a turbine engine, which could run on multiple fuels.
- Design and Assembly: The body was styled by Ghia in Italy, and Chrysler completed final assembly in Detroit.
The 50 cars were lent to the public for a three-month test program to gather feedback. After testing most of the cars were destroyed after the test program, with only nine surviving.
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