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Puzzles, Games and Name That Car => Solved AutoPuzzles => 2013 => Topic started by: Carnut on October 25, 2013, 09:30:15 AM

Title: Solved - NEH 3055: Woodill Wildfire Turbine Convertible - 1955
Post by: Carnut on October 25, 2013, 09:30:15 AM
What's this exactly and what is it powered by, for 1 point?:


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Title: Re: NEH 3055
Post by: Carnut on November 01, 2013, 05:31:13 AM
Experts?
Title: Re: NEH 3055
Post by: hugo90 on November 02, 2013, 05:08:36 PM
Is that a Glaspar body?  It looks very much like the Edwards steam car.
Title: Re: NEH 3055
Post by: WayneB on November 02, 2013, 07:00:45 PM
Its a 1955 Woodhill Wildfire powered by a gas turbine helicopter engine.
Title: Re: NEH 3055
Post by: Carnut on November 03, 2013, 02:43:51 PM
Quote from: WayneB on November 02, 2013, 07:00:45 PM
Its a 1955 Woodhill Wildfire powered by a gas turbine helicopter engine.

Exactly.
And here's the spiel about it when it was auctioned by Barrett-Jackson:

QUOTE
The Woodill Wildfire is acknowledged to be the world's first production fiberglass bodied car starting in 1952. This experimental idea was conceived and constructed by an employee of McDonald Douglas, Missile and Space Division using gas turbine helicopter engine. The engine develops 310hp shaft output at 37,500rpm. This turbo car was clocked for speed on a California dry lake bed course at 137mph with more potential speed possible by altering the gear ratio. In storage over 40 years and recently restored. Recently serviced by a licensed helicopter mechanic. Runs and drives with special instructions.
UNQUOTE
Title: Re: Solved - NEH 3055: Woodill Wildfire Turbine Convertible - 1955
Post by: WayneB on November 03, 2013, 07:58:20 PM
I was wondering how uncomfortable it must be to drive in view of the hot jet exhaust exiting right in the middle of the bonnet (hood) :o

The Rover Jet cars used heat exchangers to try and combat high exhaust gas temperatures.
Title: Re: Solved - NEH 3055: Woodill Wildfire Turbine Convertible - 1955
Post by: Carnut on November 04, 2013, 05:20:38 AM
Quote from: WayneB on November 03, 2013, 07:58:20 PM
I was wondering how uncomfortable it must be to drive in view of the hot jet exhaust exiting right in the middle of the bonnet (hood) :o

The Rover Jet cars used heat exchangers to try and combat high exhaust gas temperatures.

I'm surprised the fiberglass didn't melt...!
Title: Re: Solved - NEH 3055: Woodill Wildfire Turbine Convertible - 1955
Post by: D-type on November 04, 2013, 02:28:18 PM
Ah!  But is that the exhaust or the air intake in the middle of the bonnet (hood)?  Could it be the inlet, and the exhausts are out the rear?

Edit:  I googled it (which I should have done first!) - and it is the exhaust :sigh:
Title: Re: Solved - NEH 3055: Woodill Wildfire Turbine Convertible - 1955
Post by: Carnut on November 05, 2013, 08:07:53 AM
Quote from: D-type on November 04, 2013, 02:28:18 PM
Ah!  But is that the exhaust or the air intake in the middle of the bonnet (hood)?  Could it be the inlet, and the exhausts are out the rear?

Edit:  I googled it (which I should have done first!) - and it is the exhaust :sigh:

Yes, and imagine trying to peer through the heat haze;  the thing must be a nightmare to drive!
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