‘Rare and bizarre’ 1963 Chrysler Turbine concept sells to mystery buyer

The obscure coupe – designed by Elwood Engel in 1961 – was built as part of an long-term experiment into the viability of gas turbines for motor vehicles.

The power source ultimately proved impractical and inefficient, however, following more than 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometres) of testing, Chrysler engineers praised the Turbine's relative "simplicity, near-silent operation, exceptional power-to-weight ratio, and low maintenance costs". A second standalone turbine power unit has been listed separately for US$100,000 (AU$130,000).

The turbine motor produced 97kW/576Nm, and the 0-100km/h sprint took a claimed 12 seconds on the way to a top speed of 228km/h. Italian design studio Ghia was contracted to manufacture the car's body.

Just 55 examples of the peculiarity were ultimately built, and all but nine were destroyed upon the development program’s demise in 1966.

TV personality and avid motoring collector Jay Leno currently owns the only other privately-held Chrysler Turbine concept car, with the other seven examples all on public display in museums.