Rover Gas Turbine Cars

Rover were pioneers in gas-turbine propulsion for road vehicles. Their interest was aroused during the Second World War, when several engineers were seconded to the top-secret development of Frank Whittle’s jet aero engine. Recognising that the technology could be adapted to produce a road vehicle, they had one running by 1950, and in 1952 set some world speed records with it. Further experimental cars followed during the 1950s, but progress was hampered by the non-availability of exotic materials necessary to reduce fuel consumption. In the early 1960s, the technology was proved on the racetracks by the Rover-BRM gas-turbine racing car at Le Mans. After the Leyland takeover in 1968 it was then adapted for large trucks, but the programme foundered after the 1973 Oil Crisis forced a focus on other issues.

In this revealing book, Rover expert James Taylor follows the development of this new technology and the efforts to turn it into a viable propulsion for production cars, including the Rover P6 and Range Rover. Accompanied by archive photographs, this book provides a fascinating insight into a little-known aspect of British motoring history.