The Big Three’s experiments with the gas turbine engine may not have been successful, but they were memorable. This rare Ford clip features Big Red, the Ford turbine truck of 1964. See the mammoth rig in action here.
For a brief moment in America’s mid-century, the gas turbine engine appeared to have a future in the auto industry. All three of the Motor City’s major automakers—General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler—conducted extensive development programs. Chrysler’s project produced the beautiful Turbine Ghia prototypes, of which nine still survive, while GM’s best-known turbine experiments include the Firebird dream cars I, II, and III of Motorama fame. Showcasing Ford’s efforts was the futuristic truck called Big Red, a mammoth 96-ft. semi-tractor and double trailer unit.
First shown at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, Big Red was powered by a 600-horsepower Model 705 turbine originally developed by Ford for the U.S. Navy. Cruising speed was a stated 70 mph, while a fuel capacity of 280 gallons gave the thirsty rig a range of 600 miles. Alas, poor fuel efficiency was part of the turbine’s downfall in ground vehicle use.
Still, Big Red had a number of fascinating features, including an ergonomically engineered fiberglass cab loaded with comfort and convenience gadgets. Thanks to the Ford Film & Video collection at Great Britian’s National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, we have this rare film clip that includes a tour of the far-out rig. Enjoy. (UPDATE March 26, 2021: Big Red is in the hands of a private collector who currently remains anonymous.)
There was a short period of time, as stated, where turbines were experimented with, but fell short. They had a limited power-band, ran hot, and of course, got lousy mileage. ( some claim 2 mpg) It looks like “Big Red” was the precursor to the Ford CL9000, which when operating normal, was touted as the smoothest riding truck made. ( although, problems with the “air ride cab” forced many owners to convert them to conventional means. I think there was even a recall from Ford on those) Kenworth made a prototype turbine truck in the early 60’s too, but was scrapped in favor of the more user friendly Cummins diesel ( check out that stack on the truck on the left) http://assets.blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2011/05/KenworthBoeinggasturbinetruck_1000.jpg
Gas Turbine power was examined by a lot of companies in the fifties and sixties. So often we are overshadowed by Chrysler’s Turbine car but there were others. I must have been hiding under a rock somewhere because this featured truck managed to escape me. The Kenworth even more (thanks for the link, Howard) I remember seeing a picture of Chevrolet’s Turbo Titan on the back cover of ‘The Chevrolet Story 1911-1966.’ I was impressed with it back then when I was only a sprout of 13. Gas turbine engines were experimented with a lot because of their size/weight and power output. Of course truckers would never take to it because you couldn’t adapt a Jake Brake (Just kidding, Howard). But it seemed that the bottom line was always the same: best suited to aircraft.
I could never see the fixation with turbines. They never would fuel efficient in a wheeled vehicle of any type.
Chrysler bravely/ stupidly made a few and scrapped a lot!
Goerges reference to an exhaust brake too is very relevant, engine braking is a large part of the scenario with a truck.
A semi practical vehicle could ofcourse be made but less efficient than a normal engine, even in marine applications. Aircraft is the only thing that seemed to be viable.
Been trucking for over 31 years and I’ve never had a truck with running water and a beverage dispenser in it! Talk about ahead of it’s time! I never was a large cabover fan, but having driven a few, I’d bet Big Red had great visibility. I liked the walk in cab, too. All the cabovers I drove you climbed in via steps, that ladder/step would have been welcomed, especially by the large guys. Ever see a 400 lb man get into a cabover? It was a job for him I’m sure!
That 600 mile range was pretty bad. But then again, most trucking back then was regional, you didn’t have that many guys running coast to coast.