FIAT Turbina Prototype 1954

The Fiat Turbine prototype was officially introduced in Spring 1954 at the time of the Turin Motor Show. Work on this prototype was started in 1948, and in September 1950 the first drawings were made of the layout that had been chosen. The turbine itself was completed in January 1953 and on April 14th 1954, the car went through its first test track at the Lingotto factory. The bodywork, a sports two-seat Coupé design was aerodynamically highly efficient. Wind tunnel tests showed the drag coefficient to be about 0,14. Estimated maximum speed of the Fiat Turbina was in the region of 250 kph (155 mph).

Specifications: ENGINE Type 8001, Gas turbine, two-stage centrifugal compressor driven by two-stage axial turbine, three combustion chambers, single stage power turbine and reduction gears. Maximum power and corresponding speed: 300 hp at 22.000 rpm Ignition system: single spark plug for starting only. Fuel tank: two, 50 litre each (11 galls. 13 U.S. galls.)

TRANSMISSION through reduction gears and swing half shaft. SUSPENSION Front: independent coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers in oil bath. Rear: Independent coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers in oil bath. WHEELS Rudge-Whitworth. BRAKES hydraulic on all four wheels. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 24 Volt.

STRUCTURE tubular frame. DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 2.400 mm (7 ft. 10,5 in.) Track front 1.296 mm (4 ft. 3 in.); rear 1.297 mm ( 4 ft. 3 in.) ; Length 4.370 mm (14 ft. 4 in.) ; Width 1.610 mm (5 ft. 3,5 in.); Height overall 1.255 mm (4 ft. 1,4 in.); Weight Unladen 1.050 kg (2.314 lb.); fully laden 1.270 kg ( 2.799 lb.)

The Fiat Turbina prototype 1954 is presently exhibited at the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile, Torino

Text Paul Damiens - Information and photos by courtesy Fiat

wallpapers of the FIAT Turbina Prototype 1954 click on the picture to enlarge