Jay Leno Revives His Iconic 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car

Jay Leno, the famed comedian and car enthusiast, has achieved what many thought impossible: restoring his iconic 1963 Chrysler Turbine car to running condition. This groundbreaking vehicle, powered by a jet engine, has returned to the road after nearly a decade of dormancy. The restoration was made possible through an extraordinary collaboration with Gregg Williams of Williams International, the company founded by the car’s original engine designer, Dr. Sam Williams.

A Piece of Automotive History – 

The Chrysler Turbine car debuted in 1963 as one of the most innovative vehicles of its time. Designed to run on a turbine engine, the car could burn nearly any flammable liquid, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and even unconventional fuels like tequila or Chanel No. 5. Its 130-horsepower engine delivered an impressive 425 lb-ft of torque at an astonishing 36,000 RPM.

Chrysler produced only 50 Turbine cars, all painted in a distinctive metallic bronze. These cars were loaned to select drivers in a user program that lasted from 1963 to 1966. Participants kept detailed logs of their experiences, which helped Chrysler evaluate the technology. Ultimately, the Turbine car was deemed too loud, inefficient, and complicated for mass production, leading to the project’s cancellation. Only nine cars survived after Chrysler destroyed the rest, making these vehicles rare gems of automotive history.

Jay Leno’s Restoration Journey – 

Leno purchased his Turbine car in 2009 and showcased it on his channel in 2012. A few years later, the car became inoperable due to a damaged turbine engine. Leno faced a unique challenge: the engine was so rare that replacement parts were unavailable.

Enter Williams International. Founded by Dr. Sam Williams, the original designer of the Chrysler turbine engine, the company specializes in gas turbine technology. Although Dr. Williams passed away in 2009, his son Gregg stepped up to assist Leno. Gregg assembled a team of engineers, some of whom had worked on the original project over 60 years ago, to recreate the turbine engine.

The Restoration Process – 

Rebuilding the turbine was no small feat. While original blueprints still existed, crafting a new engine required custom tools, precision engineering, and rigorous testing. The team overcame these challenges, and Leno’s Turbine car is now one of the few remaining examples that runs and drives.

To celebrate the restoration, Leno visited Williams International, where Gregg and his team unveiled the fully functional engine. Leno even took the car for a test drive, marking a triumphant return for this historic vehicle.

Showcased at Woodward Dream Cruise – 

Leno and the restored Turbine car made a special appearance at this summer’s Woodward Dream Cruise, where fans marveled at the vehicle’s unique history and engineering. The event highlighted not only the car’s remarkable design but also the dedication of those who worked to preserve it.

Why It Matters – 

The Chrysler Turbine car remains a symbol of American innovation, showcasing the bold experimentation of 1960s Detroit. Thanks to Jay Leno and Williams International, this piece of history is alive and well, inspiring future generations of automotive enthusiasts.