Concept cars - GM Firebird -1953-1964

[crosscreekcooter]

The General Motors Firebird I,II,III, and IV were futuristic examples of the direction in styling and technologies being studied at GM and to showcase the capabilities of the manufacturer. These Firebirds shown were not associated with the Pontiac Firebird developed for production in the late 60's. All four concept cars were turbine powered. These cars were developed under the guidance of Harley Earl, the brainchild of the secret "Opal Project", later named the Chevrolet Corvette. Harley Earl turned the American auto industry on it's ear.


1953 Firebird I- It's proper name was the Firebird XP21
This thing reminds me of Craig Breedloves's rocket car Spirit of America

1956 Firebird II-a 4 seat family design
Body was fabricated from titanium-primary fuel was kerosene

1958 Firebird III- titanium skin 200 hp turbine hybrid
featured cruise-control, anti-lock brakes and air conditioning
it included an automated guidance sustem (Google?) and joy stick steering

1964 Firebird IV-GM called this the XP790
Here shown at the New York World's Fair

Here's a real good background story on these cars loaded with information and a lot of pictures.
http://myautoworld.com/gm/history/gm-firebird-53-59/gm-firebird-53-59.html

Harley Earl link
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley_Earl

 

[Durty South Swamp]

Looks like something out of the jetsons lol


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[crosscreekcooter]

as advanced as those cars were, the were rediculous looking-You're right, that last one had George Jetson all over it

 

[crosscreekcooter]

1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special concept car
You can see the Corvette in this one

 

[itsgr82bag8r]

And, no....... They sure as hell don't make 'em like they used to. Cool stuff CCC!


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