The Howmet Turbine Experimental racecar is a legendary vehicle designed by Bob McKee, who is known for creating several notable race cars. The 1968 Howmet TX is a unique car that stands out not only for its gas turbine power plant but also for being the only jet-powered car to win a race. Recently, Jay Leno had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of this historic race car and experience its power firsthand.
Design and Features
Bob McKee was responsible for designing not only the powertrain but also the body of the Howmet TX. The car features a Porsche-sourced windshield and cam-am fenders, magnesium wheels, an aluminum body, and brakes from the Ford GT40. The gearbox is a single-speed unit but has a quick-change feature that allows tuning based on the needs of a specific circuit.
Powertrain
The Howmet TX is powered by a TS325-1 gas turbine engine that was initially designed for military helicopter use. It provides an output of 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque (880Nm), with a maximum redline of 57,000 rpm. The gearbox is a single-speed unit but features a quick-change capability that enables tuning according to the requirements of a particular circuit.
Driving Experience
Leno notes that jet-powered vehicles are not typically great at low-end acceleration. In the case of his jet bike, he says he’ll lose eighth-mile races but win quarter-mile ones because of how the power comes on. The Howmet TX is similar and actually gets pushed off to begin the test drive with Leno.
The cabin of the car looks almost like it could stand in for an airplane cockpit. It fits even better since they test the car on a runway. According to Leno, judging braking distances is hard because even after engaging the brake, the car can continue pulling for a moment or so. The power delivery is a noteworthy difference compared to a normal car.
Compared to a racecar where you’re always shifting, Leno says, “It just pulls constantly and you’re just always going faster and faster… I’ve got to get back on my jet bike, this is just too much fun.”
Legacy
Of four jet-powered Howmet TXs built, all four have survived and still exist around the world. Of them, three are fully functional cars and one is just a chassis. It’s great to see these legends coming together in such a way.
Conclusion
The Howmet Turbine Experimental racecar is a unique vehicle that has made history in the world of racing. Bob McKee’s design and engineering skills have created a car that is not only powerful but also visually stunning. Jay Leno’s test drive of the car shows just how much fun it can be to drive this legendary vehicle. The fact that all four of the jet-powered Howmet TXs built still exist today is a testament to their enduring legacy.