Let's cut straight to the chase: the Howmet TX is one of the coolest, most futuristic, and downright scary race cars ever conceived. In lieu of a traditional engine, it features an experimental turbine developed by a defense contractor for military helicopters. The car was built to go toe to toe with the likes of GT40s and Porsche 907s, and it actually took multiple wins and pole positions in 1968— the only year in which it competed—before setting several landspeed records.
Only two were ever built as part of a publicity campaign by jet engine manufacturer Howmet (hence the name: Howmet Turbine eXperimental), and the one you're looking at is for sale.
Only two were ever built as part of a publicity campaign by jet engine manufacturer Howmet (hence the name: Howmet Turbine eXperimental), and the one you're looking at is for sale.
The turbine it uses can spin up to 57,000 rpm, which is eight to nine times faster than your car. Odd as it may sound, it produces just 350 hp, because the real advantage to the turbine is how compact it is: a normal internal combustion engine is downright clunky and heavy by comparison. As a result, the whole car only weighs 1650 lbs.
Inside, it really does look more like a helicopter cockpit than a race car, with enough different switches and gauges to confuse even a modern Formula One driver.
Inside, it really does look more like a helicopter cockpit than a race car, with enough different switches and gauges to confuse even a modern Formula One driver.
tags: turbine racecar , breed of speed , jet car , nathan finneman , petrolicious
RSS Feed