Cars

Iconic Chrysler turbine car developed in 1950s restored by team of 80-year-old engineers reconstructing its engine

  • A team of engineers over the age of 80 restored this Chrysler Turbine car
  • The car’s unique engine can run on weird fuels including tequila and perfume
  • Jay Leno and Gregg Williams helped bring this iconic car back to life

Published on Dec 14, 2024 at 8:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Daksh Chaudhary

Last updated on Dec 10, 2024 at 4:51 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

Jay Leno recently joined Gregg Williams from Williams International to bring the legendary Chrysler turbine car back to life.

This car – developed in the 1950s – was powered by an engine like no other.

A team of 60 engineers over the age of 80 came together to restore its groundbreaking turbine engine.

One team member, aged 94, even designed a crucial part while bedridden.

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Chrysler turbine car restoration

This incredible story is captured in a YouTube video on Jay Leno’s Garage.

The Chrysler turbine project started in the 1950s, with a working prototype ready by 1964.

Back then, 209 Americans got to test drive the turbine cars for three months, trying out what this futuristic engine could do.

No wonder Jay Leno was fascinated by this project – he’s one of the biggest car enthusiasts, even offering a blank check for the Duesenberg.

Gregg Williams’ father, Sam Williams, played a key role in developing the original engine, and now Gregg continues his father’s legacy.

Classic car restoration
Jay Leno’s Garage

Restoring the turbine engine wasn’t easy.

It had far fewer parts than a traditional V8, but its precision demands are unmatched.

The engine’s regenerators, for example, contain 22,000 tiny octagon-shaped holes crafted using custom tools.

The engine was more versatile than anything seen before

Modern 3D metal printing helped recreate parts that were no longer available, showing how old and new technology can work together.

Versatile engine of Chrysler turbine car
Jay Leno’s Garage

This engine is incredibly versatile – it was even tested with unusual fuels like tequila and Chanel No. 5 perfume, instead of traditional options like petrol or hydrogen, which powers cars like the Toyota Mirai.

Despite its brilliance, the project was shelved due to emissions concerns in the 1960s.

Thankfully, engineers saved critical blueprints, making this restoration possible.

The restoration of the Chrysler turbine car is a perfect tribute to visionaries like Sam Williams.

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Meet Daksh: Not your typical pro, but definitely a pro at being fascinated by supercars, tech, and all things futuristic. When he's not nose-deep in work, catch him glued to anime screens or lost in the pages of a good book.