Here’s a detailed look at the engineering that produced the 1956 Firebird II, the second car in the General Motors gas-turbine dream-car series. 

We’ve featured the GM Firebird II a few times before here at Mac’s Motor City Garage, but now we’re back with a more detailed look at the engineering that produced the fabulous turbine-powered family car. We say family car because unlike Firebird I, a single-seater styled like a jet fighter aircraft, its successor the Firebird II was designed for family transportation. (See a family of the future taking a singing vacation adventure in Firebird II here.) The second turbine car in the GM series was engineered with comfortable seating for four, a refined GT-304 Whirlfire engine, and, in theory at least, self-driving capabilities including radar and embedded road guidance systems.

As long as we’re here, this seems like as good a time as any to clear up a minor mystery regarding the Firebird II: Actually, there are two. One prototype was constructed using titanium body panels with a natural brushed finish, and there is a second example with a fiberglass body and stunning pearl white paint. Both cars still exist in the capable hands of the GM Heritage Center and make regular appearances at automotive events around the country. Our 11-minute GM film from 1956 features the metal-bodied version. Video below.