The Allison Aircraft Engine Car
Introduction
The Allison Aircraft Engine Car was a modified Chevrolet Corvette that was powered by an Allison J33-A-29 turbojet engine.
The car was developed by General Motors in the early 1950s as a way to test the Allison J33 engine, which was being developed for use in the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.
The Allison Aircraft Engine Car was a success, and it helped to prove the viability of turbojet engines for use in automobiles.
Design
The Allison Aircraft Engine Car was based on a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette.
However, the car was extensively modified to accommodate the Allison J33-A-29 engine.
The engine was mounted in the rear of the car, and it was connected to a two-speed automatic transmission.
The car also had a modified suspension and brakes to handle the increased power and weight of the engine.
Performance
The Allison Aircraft Engine Car was capable of reaching speeds of over 150 mph.
The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
The car’s top speed was limited by the aerodynamic drag of the car.
Legacy
The Allison Aircraft Engine Car was a significant milestone in the development of turbojet engines for use in automobiles.
The car proved the viability of turbojet engines for use in production cars.
The car also inspired the development of other turbojet-powered cars, such as the Chrysler Turbine Car and the Ford GT40.
Conclusion
The Allison Aircraft Engine Car was a unique and innovative vehicle.
The car played a significant role in the development of turbojet engines for use in automobiles.
The car’s legacy continues today, and it remains one of the most famous turbojet-powered cars ever built.
Additional Information
- The Allison Aircraft Engine Car was designed by a team led by Zora Arkus-Duntov.
- The car was built by hand at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.
- The car was first tested in 1953, and it was unveiled to the public in 1954.
- The car was never put into production, but it did inspire the development of other turbojet-powered cars.
- The car is currently on display at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
