Concept Car Of The Day: 1950 Rover Jet 1 - AllCarIndex
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Back in the 1950s, Rover was considered the choice of the wealthy and distinguished. They had a reputation for being a bit snooty, but little did people know that the company had a revolutionary project underway. This project was JET 1, the world's first gas turbine-powered car.
During the later stages of World War II, Rover was tasked with producing the Whittle jet engine for aircraft, while Rolls-Royce focused on piston engines. However, Rover soon shifted their focus to developing a gas turbine engine suitable for a car. After years of work, JET 1 was unveiled in 1950.
In 1952, JET 1 broke a world record for gas turbine cars by reaching a speed of 152mph. The gas turbine engine was seen as a symbol of British innovation and modernity. Despite the initial excitement, issues like high fuel consumption and slow throttle response led to the demise of JET 1.
Rover continued to experiment with gas turbine car designs until 1965, but the technology proved to be too costly and inefficient for mainstream use. The gas turbine-powered coupe that entered the 1963 Le Mans race with BRM Formula 1 team faced similar challenges.
JET 1 found a new home at the Science Museum, where it remains on display. Seeing this unique and futuristic car left a lasting impression on me during a visit to London in the 1950s. JET 1 was a vehicle ahead of its time, mothballed before its true potential could be realized.
