The Howmet TX: A Dark Piece of Racing History

The Turbine-Powered Race Car That Defied Expectations

In a new episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” viewers are introduced to an extraordinary piece of racing history – the Howmet TX (Turbine Experimental). Built in 1968, this turbine-powered race car is not only a relic from the past but also a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of its time. What sets the Howmet TX apart is not just its remarkable engineering but also its ability to still race to this day.

The Visionary Engineer: Bob McKee

The man behind the creation of the Howmet TX is Bob McKee, a renowned engineer whose expertise spans from building Can-Am race cars to developing an experimental diesel-electric hybrid powertrain for the US military. McKee’s engineering prowess is evident in the Howmet TX, which showcases his ability to push the boundaries of automotive technology.

A Passion for Unusual Engines

Phillip Sarofim, a venture capitalist and the current owner of the Howmet TX, is no stranger to unique and unconventional vehicles. Sarofim is one of the driving forces behind the revived Meyers Manx company, which specializes in dune buggies for the electric era. His fondness for cars with unusual engines is evident not only in his ownership of the Howmet TX but also in his previous appearance on “Jay Leno’s Garage” with a Meyers Manx equipped with a radial aircraft engine.

Turbines: The Trend of the 1960s

Turbine engines were all the rage in the 1960s, with Chrysler even building a turbine car for testing purposes. However, before the Howmet TX came along, no turbine-powered race car had managed to secure a victory. The Howmet TX, with its remarkable engineering and performance, was the first of its kind to achieve this feat.

A Unique Collaboration with Howmet Corporation

The development of the Howmet TX was commissioned by race car driver Ray Heppenstall, who sought funding from Howmet Corporation (now Howmet Aerospace) for the project. Howmet Corporation, a manufacturer of parts for turbine engines, saw the race car as an opportunity to showcase their products to a wider audience. With Bob McKee leading the design of the chassis and incorporating parts from other notable cars, such as Can-Am racing fenders and a Porsche 906 windshield, the Howmet TX was a true collaboration of engineering genius.

Turbines: Advantages and Drawbacks

Turbine engines have several advantages over conventional piston engines. They offer high power for their size and operate with minimal vibrations, providing a smooth driving experience. However, they do come with certain drawbacks. Fuel economy tends to be poor, and there may be a noticeable lag when accelerating or decelerating. Additionally, startup procedures for turbine-powered cars are more complex, often requiring multiple switches to be flipped and even a push to get the car moving.

A Glimpse into the Future of Turbine Cars

While turbine cars like the Howmet TX are rare today, there have been more recent attempts to bring them back into the spotlight. Jay Leno, the host of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” even designed his own turbine-powered car called the EcoJet in 2006. However, the challenges associated with turbine engines, such as fuel efficiency and acceleration lag, make them more suitable for aviation than for regular road use. Nonetheless, the Howmet TX stands as a testament to the incredible sound and performance that turbine engines can offer.

The Howmet TX: A Legacy of Innovation

The Howmet TX stands as a symbol of innovation and engineering excellence. Its turbine-powered engine, combined with Bob McKee’s expertise, pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the world of racing cars. While the Howmet TX may have been “less important” than its contemporaries like the Indy 500, its achievement of winning a race solidified its place in history.

Conclusion

The Howmet TX remains a fascinating piece of racing history that continues to captivate enthusiasts to this day. With its turbine-powered engine and remarkable performance, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its time. The collaboration between Bob McKee and Howmet Corporation resulted in a race car that defied expectations and secured victories. While turbine engines may not be as prevalent today, the legacy of the Howmet TX lives on, inspiring future generations to push the limits of automotive technology.

Summary

The Howmet TX, a turbine-powered race car built in 1968, is the focus of a recent episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage”. Four of these cars were constructed by renowned engineer Bob McKee, with funding from Howmet Corporation. The Howmet TX stands out as the only turbine car to win a race, highlighting its exceptional engineering and performance. Despite the advantages of turbine engines, such as high power and smooth operation, challenges like poor fuel economy and acceleration lag have hindered their widespread adoption in road cars. Nonetheless, the Howmet TX serves as a reminder of the incredible capabilities of turbine technology.

A new episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” presents a dark piece of racing history. It is the Howmet TX (Turbine Experimental), a turbine-powered race car built in 1968 that is still running today.

Four of these cars were built by Bob McKee, whose other engineering credits range from Can-Am race cars to an experimental diesel-electric hybrid powertrain for the US military. This one is now owned by venture capitalist Phillip Sarofim . He is one of the people behind the revived Meyers Manx company, and clearly enjoys cars with unusual engines. Previously brought a Manx with a radial aircraft engine to the show

Turbines were all the rage in the 1960s. Chrysler built a turbine car limited race to test the engine type properly in road cars and various race cars and had already been built when the Howmet TX came along, including the STP-Paxton Turbocar Indianapolis 500 racer. But the Howmet TX was the only turbine car to win a race, McKee notes in the video, admitting it was “less important” than Indy.

McKee was commissioned to develop the TX by driver Ray Heppenstall, who turned to Howmet Corporation (now Howmet Aerospace) for funding. The company made parts for turbine engines, so the race car project was introduced as a way to promote their products. The chassis was designed by McKee and incorporated parts from other cars, such as Can-Am racing fenders and the windshield from a Porsche 906.

Turbines have some advantages over conventional piston engines, including high power for their size and smooth, vibration-free operation. But fuel economy is generally poor, and there’s significant lag when you step on or off the accelerator. The startup procedure is also a bit complex. Lots of switches need to be flipped and the car needs a little push to get away.

While there have been some more recent attempts at turbine cars, including Leno’s own EcoJet, these issues make them more suitable for the sky than for the road. However, the Howmet TX does make incredible noise, which can be experienced via video.