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From the back cover of the book
In 1963, Chrysler embarked on one of the
most creative projects in automotive history. They built a fleet of turbine cars - cars that were powered by jet
engines - and proved that turbine power was a viable option for automobiles.
The turbine program became one of the most publicized events conceived in the Motor City, when Chrysler shocked
the world by announcing that they would lend the turbine car, out to regular consumer at no charge, to be test
driven for a period of three months. More than 200 families took Chrysler up on the offer, and together they logged
more than a million miles in the unique cars over the two year program.
Perhaps more interesting was the discovery that the turbine engines could run just as well on a variety of fuels;
not just gasoline, they could burn kerosene, these, jet fuel, and even perfume and liquor. At a time when pump
Gas cost less than a dollar, few noticed the versatility of the car. The focus remained on the car's stylish appearance
and the unusual engine.
This is the story of how a group of rocket scientists took over a department at Chrysler and built a viable jet
car and, how most of the cars ended up scrapped. It is a story of lost opportunities: the car came too early for
Detroit and Washington to realize the potential to free us from foreign oil. Now as the car companies scramble
in the face of sky-rocketing gasoline prices, some consumers ask: How come so little is being done on alternative
fuels or engines that aren't piston-powered? The answer is not in the future; it is in the past.
From the owner of Turbinecar.com - Mark Olson -
I very highly recommend you purchase this book! Not just because I have some of my story in it - I say that because if you are interested in the turbine car program at Chrysler - this is the best book yet. Very easy reading and a great price!
To order this book, please go to:http://www.hickoryracing.com/
If the book is not listed on that site yet, contact
them at
or write to:
Tarheel Press, PO Box 3895, Hickory, NC 28601
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Page last up-dated 12-13-2005