Howmet TX, a jet-powered racing car, is now in Jay Leno's Garage

A new episode of "Jay Leno's Garage" features an obscure piece of racing history. It is the Haumet TX (Turbine Experimental), a turbine-driven racing car built in 1968 and still in running condition.

Four of these cars were built by Bob McKee, whose engineering achievements range from Can-Am race cars to experimental diesel-electric hybrid powertrains for the US military. It is now owned by venture capitalist Philip Sarofim. He is one of the men who revived the Myers-Manks company and obviously enjoys cars with unusual engines. He once brought a Manx with an aircraft radial engine to a show.

Turbines were the trend in the 1960s. Chrysler built limited production turbine cars to test the suitability of this engine type for road cars, and by the time the Haumet TX appeared, several racing cars had already been built, including the STP-Paxton Turbocar Indianapolis 500 racer However, the Haumet TX was not the only racing car to be produced by the company. However, the Howmet TX was the only turbine car to win a race, and McKee admits in the video that it was "less consequential" than the Indy.

McKee was asked by driver Ray Heppenstall to develop the TX and asked the Howmet Corporation (now Howmet Aerospace) to help fund the project. Since the company manufactured turbine engine components, the racing car project was proposed as a way to showcase the company's products. The chassis was designed by McKee and incorporated parts from other cars, including Can-Am racer fenders and a Porsche 906 windshield.

Compared to conventional piston engines, turbines have advantages such as greater output for their size and smoother, vibration-free operation. However, they are generally less fuel efficient and have a large time lag when the throttle is turned on and off. The starting procedure is also somewhat complicated. Many switches need to be pressed and the car needs a little push to start moving.

There have been several recent attempts at turbine cars, including Reno's own EcoJet, but these problems mean that they are better suited for the air than the road. The Haumet TX makes incredible noise, which can be experienced in the video.