General Motors Firebird III

Built in 1958 and first shown at Motorama in 1959, it has a titanium skin and seven short wings and tail fins. It is a two-seater powered by a 225 hp (168 kW) Whirlfire GT-305 gas turbine engine. It also featured “space-age” innovations, such as special air drag brakes, like those found on aircraft, which emerged from flat panels in the bodywork of the car to slow it from high speeds, an “ultra-sonic” key which signaled the doors to open, and an automated guidance system to avoid accidents and “no hold” steering. The steering was controlled by a joystick positioned between the two seats.

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