GM Firebird I was the first gas turbine automobile ever to be built and tested in the United States

This GM Firebird I was the first gas turbine automobile ever built in the United States, which proves it’s a key piece of auto history.

The futuristic concept car resembled a jet plane, with a powerhouse of an engine able to reach high speeds.

Designed by Harley J. Earl, the idea was ahead of its time and set new standards in the car world.

The concept was all in aid of figuring out one huge fact and required a team of experts to make it happen.

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The GM Firebird I was the first gas turbine automobile ever in the US

General Motors, aka GM, has produced some pretty impressive cars. But this special auto might just top the company’s list of achievements.

The Firebird I may look like it belongs in an aircraft hangar. But it was actually meant for the roads instead.

You see, the 1954 XP-21 Firebird 1 was actually the first gas turbine automobile that was ever built and tested in the United States.

The unusual vehicle was built and cleverly designed by GM as a special styling and engineering exercise.

It was all in aid of seeing if the implemented use of a gas turbine could be used as an ‘efficient and economical powerplant for future vehicles’.

The idea of the sterling creation came from Harley J. Earl, who was the GM Styling Vice President and designer of the car’s body, made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic.

The engine of the GM Firebird I was able to pump out 370hp, thanks to the work by Charles L McCuen, who was the mastermind behind the development of the ‘Whirlfire Turbo-Power’ engine.

It was also a single-stage, Axial Flow Turbine able to produce horsepower at 26,000 rpm.

As you can imagine, bringing the car to life took a team effort. And the vehicle was refined in a wind tunnel at the California Institute of Technology, too.

Plus, it weighed 2,800lbs.

And you have to admit, the car certainly does look the part too, with its jet-like exterior, was brought to life by a power turbine that acted via a transmission on the back wheels.

Like the GM Firebird 1, the world of concept cars is broad

In the car world, there are developments happening all the time, with many great models springing from clever concept vehicles.

For example, Škoda just unveiled a cafe racer concept you’ll immediately fall in love with thanks to its unique appearance.

And we can’t forget the time Mercedes shared the mesmerizing video of a futuristic concept that is set to come to America, complete with reclining seats and a 65-inch screen.

You have to admit, though, a jet plane concept car isn’t something you see every day.

You can check out all the details from General Motors here.

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