'54 Gm XP-21 Firebird I

Clearly inspired by a delta wing fighter Jet, the XP-21 was the first turbine powered car coming from the States. It showcased a bullet shaped body made of reinforced fiberglass with side wings and flap brakes, finished by a vertical fin and topped by a plastic bubble canopy. The only man qualified to drive this 370 bhp jet car was Emmett Conklin who was leading the whole project. The first time he took it out for a spin, he drove it up to 100mph in first gear. When he shifted into second gear, the wheels lost traction under the extreme engine torque and Coklin's survival instinct kicked in and forced him to slow down.

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