General Motors Firebird II concept (1956)
Concept car · 1956 · Combustion
A titanium-bodied turbine family car of tomorrow.
The 1956 Firebird II reimagined the turbine concept as a four-seat family car, with a satin-brushed titanium body and a regenerative Whirlfire GT-304 gas turbine. It previewed advanced ideas including all-independent suspension with self-leveling, disc brakes and a guidance-wire highway 'auto-pilot.' The regenerator sharply improved turbine efficiency over the Firebird I.
Key facts
- Designer: Harley Earl (GM)
- Engine: Whirlfire GT-304 regenerative gas turbine, ~200 hp
- Body: Titanium, brushed satin finish
- Layout: Four-seat, all-independent suspension, disc brakes
- Status: Preserved, GM Heritage Collection
Production
- Status: Concept only
- 1956 gas-turbine four-seat experimental show car, never produced.
- Revealed at 1956 GM Motorama
Source: Wikipedia