Futurliner competitors

I realize this isnt exactly traditional hot rodding, so kick it to the curb if need be. I just stumbled across this video of the Ford Big Red. I have always liked these old videos, and appreciate the design and engineering that went into some of the vehicles (including the big rigs) even though some were very impractical in the real world. Enjoy it or hate it but it is history. Now I have to search for the gm version that was also turbine powered. (I had no idea either of these trucks existed).

 

Cool video!

 

Here's the GM gas turbine semi.

 

Did someone save it?

 

I haven't found any evidence it still exists.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

Here's the story. https://www.thedrive.com/news/37925...emi-truck-big-red-thats-been-lost-for-decades
Interesting how it came into the hands of Holman/Moody.

 

Yes, it was saved. But the owner is extremely secretive, as explained in the above linked article.

 

And the trailers are still lost.

 

I've only been able to find still pictures of it. Is there any video out there show it drive or features?

 

1964 "Bison" GMC Haul Truck Concept, gas turbine engine

 

The Ford turbine engine was a regenerative engine which used spun glass/ceramic disks that were gear driven. The exhaust gases passed through the discs and and preheated the incoming fresh air intake charge. The engine was further developed by Teledyne Continental Motors and an offshoot company named Teledyne Power Systems in the late eighties and until mid nineties. The engine was used in a US Air Force military contract start cart which provided compressed air for starting several different fighter jets.

The program had a tough start and missed several dead lines due to technical problems as well as procurement of key components. . One issue was the metal seals between the regenerative disks and compressor side of the engine but there were others. Eventually most of the problems were fixed and several units were in the field in service. However, the Air Force contract was cancelled and Teledyne Power Systems was closed.

 

https://www.thedrive.com/news/33909...chevys-jet-age-battle-for-a-better-semi-truck

 

Not the Ford... the GM

 

Now I know where the design for these came from.

 

If the ones in the fifth pic down had a dorsal fin and painted gills they could be called CarpMobiles.

But I am diggin' the rotary windshield wipers.

 

Great article! AND it gets linked to the HAMB less than a week after it's published.