The 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car was incredibly unique, to say the least, with its innovative turbine engine and unforgettable style. Chrysler’s experimental concept car never reached full production, but a couple of hundred lucky individuals had the opportunity to drive this turbine-powered dream.
Let’s take a look back at this exceedingly rare and ingenious car that briefly graced America’s streets in the 1960s.
History of the 1963 Chrysler Turbine
The history of the 1963 Chrysler Turbine began in the 1950s when Chrysler began experimenting with turbine-powered engines rather than the standard piston engine. The company started its work by equipping a 1954 Plymouth with a turbine-powered engine.
From there, the Chrysler Engineering Department continued developing their turbine-powered engines with various prototypes. Other American manufacturers also experimented with turbine engines, but Chrysler was way ahead of the pack. The manufacturer had three generations of its turbine program.
After displaying some of their turbine creations at the 1962 Chicago Auto Show – including a CR2A turbine-equipped Dodge Dart and Plymouth Fury – Chrysler announced a bold PR stunt for its fourth-generation turbine engine: the company stated that they would lend out their new turbine-powered cars to members of the public at no cost. In addition to generating hype, Chrysler planned to gauge public opinion around their turbine cars with this campaign.
The new car was the 2-door, 4-passenger 1963 Chrysler Turbine, and Chrysler debuted this historic vehicle on May 14, 1963, at the Essex House hotel in New York City. Although originally intended to be a turbine-powered family car, the Chrysler Turbine sported a futuristic, jet-age style that endeared it to many.
Only 203 individuals had the good fortune to borrow these beauties from 1963 to 1966, but many others had the opportunity to enjoy them. Chrysler displayed several of their units at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, and many World’s Fair visitors got to ride in them.
1963 Chrysler Turbine Specifications
Ford alum Elwood P. Engel designed the Chrysler Turbine’s iconic style, and many compared it to the styling of the Ford Thunderbird. Chrysler had the Italian design studio Carrozzeria Ghia hand make the cars’ bodies, and they equipped the cars with engines and chassis at Chrysler’s Greenfield plant.
What was the top speed of the 1963 Chrysler Turbine?
The Chrysler Turbine featured an A-831 turbine engine that could produce 130 horsepower at 36,000 revolutions per minute and 425 foot-pounds of torque, and it could reach a top speed of 120 miles per hour at 60,000 revolutions per minute. The car could go from 0 to 60 in 13.2 seconds.
Although the car lacked fuel economy and didn’t have impressive acceleration, it did offer an incredibly smooth ride. Supposedly, one could balance a coin on top of its engine without it toppling over. The car’s engine also came with an air recirculation system, which recirculated its hot gasses to warm the entering air in order to reduce fuel consumption.
Chrysler also equipped this remarkable car with front and rear 10-inch cast-iron drum brakes, power steering, front suspension with control arms, live axle rear suspension, and a 3-speed Torque Flite transmission.
The car boasted a highly unique and eye-catching exterior with its signature turbine bronze metallic paint. Its stunning exterior also complemented its bronze-colored carpeting and leather upholstery.
How Many Chrysler Turbines Were Made?
Chrysler made a total of 55 Turbines, and they lent out 45 of them to the public from 1963 to 1966, and borrowers were allowed to keep these vehicles for three months.
Unfortunately, Chrysler’s interest in turbine-powered cars waned over time as they shifted to vehicles with better fuel economies. Once the promotion allowing the public to borrow the cars came to an end, Chrysler crushed and burned nearly all of them in a Detroit scrapyard.
How Many Chrysler Turbines Are Left?
Although Chrysler destroyed most of their historic turbine-powered beauties, one of Chrysler’s executives had the good sense to preserve a few of them. There are nine that remain today.
Five of them currently reside in various museums – The Smithsonian, the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History, the Detroit Historical Society, and the Henry Ford Museum – while Chrysler retained two. Finally, the two remaining units belong to private collectors, one of whom is famed comedian and former host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno.
If you’re wondering “How much is a Chrysler Turbine car worth?” the answer is somewhat unclear because there are only two available units for private use, neither of which are for sale currently.
One of the privately-owned Chrysler Turbines was sold in 2021 to an unnamed private collector.
Get Great Car Insurance on Your Classic Chrysler
Because there are only two of these remarkable vehicles left in private hands, you’re highly unlikely to see an advertisement reading “Chrysler Turbine car for sale” anytime soon, but Chrysler’s incredible beauty continues to impress car enthusiasts and collectors alike with its innovative turbine-powered engine and remarkable style.
If you own a classic Chrysler or another vintage, antique, or collector car, you need the best classic car insurance to keep your slice of motor history alive as long as possible.
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