TURBINE TRUCK

I am more or less sure that the engineers that developed the Transcontinental, were inspired by Ford's 1965 Experimental Super Highway Gasturbine Truck. This prototype truck first appeared on the 1965 New York Word Fair, were Ford had a famous pavillon. Just like the Transcontinental, the turbine truck nicknamed Big Red had a flat cabfloor and its design was far ahead of its time. After the NYWF the truck made an extensive promotion tour through the US. It is not sure if this truck has survived. In several publications it is mentioned that it was parked for several years in the backyard of Ford Testing Centre in Detroit. Also there seems to be a connection with the wellknown Ford racing team of Hollman Moody who advertised this truck in the mid seventies. Rumours go that the truck has survived but at the moment is in a terrible condition. Anyone who has more information about Big Red should not hesitate to contact me. In the early seventies Ford gave the turbine engine another try in a W-Serie. And yes the Mark 1 Transcontinental borrowed the design of the F O R D letters from the early W-series!! Check out the miniatures section to see some nice pictures of a pressed steel miniature of Big Red. Click on the thumbs to enlarge these pictures.