1963 Chrysler Turbine Coupe

In the 1950s and 1960s, the 'Jet Age' reached its peak. Sci-Fi movies, stylized appliances, jets, rockets, and space travel created excitement among consumers and the Big Three saw great opportunities. The Chrysler Turbine engine program was just one of the results. As a leader in technology, Chrysler had been working on a viable Turbine engine as an alternative power source since the 1930s. They created multiple prototypes that completed numerous long-distance trips in the 1950s and 1960s. In February of 1962, Chrysler announced that they would be building 55 Turbin cars, with 50 assigned to applicants for real-world testing (the other five were prototypes).

When the program ended, a Chrysler Executive ensured that nine cars would be spared, as test vehicles are generally crushed after use. Of the nine, Chrysler kept three and distributed the other six to auto museums across the United States. This original Chrysler Turbine car is one of the nine that were saved, and one of just two currently in private hands. This running, driving Chrysler Turbine car was recently acquired from the previous long-term Museum owner and is now in Stahl's Automobile Collection (acquired in 2021). It was originally donated to Harrah's Automobile Collection and was eventually acquired by Frank Kleptz of Indiana, who returned the engine to operational condition. The original engine was damaged and replaced with another fully operational turbine engine.

The new A-831 engine that powers this car could operate on various alternative fuels including diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, perfume, peanut and soybean oil - and even tequila.