The Chrysler Turbine Car: Engineering a Revolution | Full Documentary

Mark Olson’s family was one of just 203 that were lucky enough to get the keys to a Chrysler Turbine Car from 1963-1966 as part of Chrysler’s incredible user test program. He drove one of the 55 Italian-bodied Turbine user test cars as a 16 year old and recounts the life-changing experience.

Hear how engineers from modern day turbine manufacturer Williams International have volunteered to work with original Chrysler old timers to help save Jay Leno’s Turbine Car, one of the last running examples from the Chrysler user test program.


@stahlsauto9002
@StellantisNA
@stevelehto
@jaylenosgarage
@M1Concourse
@nationalmuseumoftransporta4011
@TheHenryFord
@TheAACALibrary
@DetroitHistoricalSociety
@HymanLtd
@SmithsonianChannel

[stevelehto]

I have to thank Hagerty for asking me to be a part of this. It was a lot of fun to talk about these cars on camera.

[eddstarr]

As an 8 year old in 1965, my connection was family #169, the Hodges family of Norfolk, Virginia. The Hodges lived just two miles from my house and drove their Turbine car through my neighborhood several times a week. Through science and engineering it was a time when anything seemed possible, even landing people on the Moon. The day is fast approaching when none of the witnesses to the Chrysler Turbine car program will be alive - including me. Stay close to your dreams of a better future, and keep the people you love closer. Your friend, Eddie.

[albertjones]

In 1965, I worked in a carwash in a small town south of Boston. One day, one of the families chosen to have the Turbine car brought it in to be washed. My job at that time was to wash the windows on the inside of the car. So for a least a minute or two, I got to ride in the front and back seats. I still remember the owner starting up the car at the end. To this day, I still think it is one of the most beautiful cars ever produced. The turbine engine was just the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae. Thanks for the show

[jjsgarage]

So nice to see my grandpa Chuck Mashigan actually get credit for his design! Thank you for giving credit where credit has long been due!

[gstynchula]

The ending made me cry. I can’t imagine how happy those guys were to be together, to work on it one last time. Just unreal. Great show guys.

[HalJalikakik]

I actually got a bit emotional seeing the guys who worked on the original project join the new generation to help repair Jay Leno’s car. Beautiful

[staltywarrior]

The Chrysler Turbine project has never really died, not when you can get the original engineers to come back and get one to run again, it shows how much dedication and love they had for a very special automobile. Thanks to every one who put time into this, Jay Leno is truly a car guy

[VINwiki]

These cars are so insanely special. Seeing the passion from guys like Steve Lehto & Jay Leno keeping the story alive is amazing. Great pick by the Hagerty Team.

[spiffyg]

Anyone who thinks engineering is boring needs to watch this. It should be shown in every school in America because it will surely inspire kids to want to become engineers.

[bbldb]

I believe I’ve left a message before. I am Don Berry of the engine lab in highland park, anybody remember me say hi! In 1963/64 I drove along side of one of these on my way to work, then to Viet Nam and 69 I started working at Chrysler and this vehicle was a project that got so interest from time to time. I ran the engine on a development dyno in research. I built some variable power blades. We would have kept it if we had todays electronics and multi speed transmission and don’t forget variation of hybrid electric. Great memories for me. We had other turbine cars and a 67 Plymouth satellite was my favorite turbine.

[WeAreCurated]

It was an honor to be part of the Countach Cannonball Run documentary! Love this. The 1950s and 1960s were amazing time for the automobile in America. So much incredible information in this documentary for us car nerds. 😊😂❤

[DrathVader]

Seeing these barely broken in marvels of engineering in perfect condition being destroyed is genuinely heart shattering. Can't imagine what the engineers were feeling.

[sternakachris]

I am 63 years old and since I was a little kid I have been obsessed with these cars . I actually teared up when they showed them being destroyed . I hope they get Jays running and I hope they figure out how to get spare engines for use down the road.

[whammond]

Congratulations to all involved in the rescue of Jay’s Turbine Car. I’d especially like to thank Steve Lehto for bringing this documentary to so many people’s attention.

[borneovet]

In my younger days I worked at a small company called Budworths Engineering in Harwich Essex UK as an apprentice engineer. We specialised in gas turbines. We had a boat, a lotus racing car and an auster aircraft all using our gas turbines. Our bread and butter was small turbines powering fire pumps. I specialised in polishing and preparing the turbine blades, in those days with an air powered polish and grinding tool. Had lots of large companies trying to remove us from the scene. Good memories and this wonderful video brought back good times and memories.

[kazoodac]

The tail lights alone on this thing deserve a video. They're cool as hell.

[Blaa_Boi]

I'm so glad Hagerty got to interview and record some of the engineers involved with the Chrysler Turbine Car directly.

Even 60 years on their love and passion for the project shines through and thankfully won't be lost to time.

[grantrandall]

As a small boy, I saw the Turbine Car at the DC Autoshow. I never quite got over it. It was quite an event to see it on our National Mall Last Year. Thanks to everyone involved here.

[cmrc]

I just sat here and watched the entire 1 hour and ten minutes documentary by accident. I started and couldn't stop, somehow this piece of video gave me a warm feeling I just had to hold on to.

[MuramatsuInosuke]

I just want to ask that anyone who has contact with the original engineers of this beautiful piece of art, to make sure that they're never lonely or forgotten and please never throw them away in some nursing home. The joy in their faces when asked to work on their legacy again got me right in the feels. When Mark Olson says he has a love for that car, I know exactly how he feels. Thanks for this video. I never knew about the impact of this car!