Sales Brochure for the Chrysler Corporation Turbine Car, 1966

Chrysler's experiments with gas turbine automobiles hit a peak in 1963 when the company lent 50 operating prototypes to the public to gain real-world feedback. With no reciprocating parts, the turbine engine was far smoother than a piston engine. It could run on anything from kerosene to perfume. But the car's fuel mileage -- around 11 miles per gallon -- was underwhelming.