Fiat Turbina: The 1950s Car Powered by Turbine Technology

ONE-OF-A-KIND - Fiat, a name that has become synonymous with reliable and affordable automobiles, has been a cornerstone in the global automotive market since its inception in 1899. Known for producing high-volume vehicles that cater to everyday drivers, Fiat has largely focused on delivering practical, cost-effective solutions. However, the 1950s marked a significant departure from this approach when Fiat embarked on a bold and unusual project—the creation of the Fiat Turbina, a concept car that showcased the company’s innovative spirit.

The Fiat Turbina concept is built by Fiat and debuted in 1954, it uses a turbine engine as the drivetrain. (Picture from: Georg Sander in Flickr)

What made the Fiat Turbina truly remarkable was its groundbreaking use of a gas turbine engine, a technology that was virtually unheard of in the automotive industry at the time. In 1954, Fiat became the second car manufacturer in the world, following Rover, to unveil a car powered by a gas turbine engine called the Jet 1. This ambitious project highlighted Fiat’s willingness to push the boundaries of conventional automotive design, venturing into a realm that few had dared to explore.

The Fiat Turbina concept first appeared in public on 23 April 1954 at Caselle Torinese Airport, where it was a demonstration driving with Fiat test driver Carlo Salamano behind the wheel. (Picture from: CentroStoricoFiat)

The development of the Fiat Turbina was a lengthy and meticulous process. Fiat’s engineers began studying the concept of a turbine-powered car as early as 1948, dedicating years of research and development to bring this vision to life. By 1954, their efforts culminated in a track test on the rooftop circuit of Fiat's Lingotto factory in Turin, Italy. The project was spearheaded by Dante Giacosa, Fiat’s Technical Director, who was also the mastermind behind the iconic Fiat 8V sports cars. Under his leadership, the Fiat Turbina became a reality, representing a bold leap into the future of automotive engineering.

The Fiat Turbina concept features a turbine engine without a gearbox which is placed in the middle, just behind the passenger compartment. (Picture from: DrivenToWrite)

The design of the Fiat Turbina was as innovative as its engine. The gas turbine was mounted midship, just behind the passenger compartment, eliminating the need for a traditional gearbox. The engine itself was a marvel of engineering, featuring a two-stage centrifugal compressor, three can-type combustors, and a two-stage turbine that drove the compressor. A single-stage power turbine provided the necessary thrust, transmitting power to the rear wheels through a geared reduction system. With an output of 300 horsepower (220 kW) at 22,000 rpm, the Fiat Turbina was capable of reaching a top speed of 250 kph (160 mph), a feat that was truly impressive for its time.

A cross-sectional image of the 1954 Fiat Turbina turbine-engine concept car. (Picture from: CarWeb43.ch)

Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the Fiat Turbina’s design. The car's sleek bodywork underwent extensive wind tunnel testing at the Politecnico di Torino, resulting in a drag coefficient of just 0.14. This achievement set a record for the lowest drag coefficient in a car, a record that stood unchallenged for 30 years. The Fiat Turbina was not just about performance; it was also a testament to Fiat’s commitment to innovation and excellence in automotive design.

The Fiat Turbina concept can be seen on display at the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile (National Automobile Museum) in Turin. (Picture from: Modifikasi)

The Fiat Turbina made its public debut on April 23, 1954, at Caselle Torinese Airport, where it was driven by Fiat test driver Carlo Salamano. The car’s futuristic design and cutting-edge technology captivated audiences, making it the star attraction at the 1954 Turin Auto Show.

Inside the cockpit of the Fiat Turbina concept at the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile (National Automobile Museum) in Turin. (Picture from: DrivenToWrite)

However, despite its many innovations, the Fiat Turbina project was not without its challenges. The car suffered from significant overheating issues and extremely high fuel consumption, problems that ultimately led to the project being shelved. The concept car was quietly retired to Fiat's garage, marking the end of an ambitious experiment that had aimed to redefine the future of automotive engineering.

The Fiat Turbina concept has the slippery shape had an amazingly low drag coefficient, and with its two compressor stages and one turbine stage drivetrain, it produced around 300 hp at 22,000 rpm. (Picture from: DrivenToWrite)

Today, the Fiat Turbina is remembered as a symbol of Fiat’s daring and innovative spirit. The car is on display at the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile in Turin, where it continues to inspire admiration and awe. The legacy of the Fiat Turbina lives on, not only in the museum but also in modern automotive design. In 2014, Pagani Automobili, in collaboration with Garage Italia Customs, introduced the Pagani Huayra Lampo, a one-off supercar whose design was inspired by the Fiat Turbina. The Huayra Lampo pays homage to the pioneering spirit of the Fiat Turbina, blending cutting-edge technology with a design that echoes the past while looking boldly to the future.

The story of the Fiat Turbina is a fascinating chapter in automotive history, showcasing the potential of innovation and the courage to explore new frontiers. While the project may not have resulted in a production vehicle, its impact on the industry and its enduring legacy are undeniable. The Fiat Turbina remains a remarkable example of what can be achieved when vision and engineering excellence come together in the pursuit of something truly extraordinary. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CENTRO STORICO FIAT | DRIVENTOWRITE | WIKIPEDIA | CARWEB43.CH | DRIVETRIBE | GEORG SANDERS IN FLICKR ]

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