The Turbonique wasn’t a turbocharger, but a small, powerful turbine engine that captivated car enthusiasts in the 1960s. This unique powerplant, fueled by the volatile monopropellant Thermolene, promised incredible speed but ultimately proved too dangerous for widespread use. This article delves into the history of the Turbonique, its rise to fame, and its eventual downfall.
One legendary example of Turbonique’s power was Roy “Mr. Pitiful” Drew’s “Black Widow,” a modified Volkswagen Beetle that achieved a record-breaking 168 mph in 9.36 seconds at a Tampa dragstrip in 1965. Tragically, the car met its demise during a match race when it became airborne at 183 mph.
The mastermind behind Turbonique was Gene Middlebrooks, an aerospace engineer who applied his expertise in rocket technology to create compact, low-cost gas turbines. These engines utilized Thermolene, or isopropyl nitrate, a stable liquid monopropellant that didn’t require atmospheric oxygen to burn. This fuel, ignited under high pressure, produced a potent burst of hot gas that spun the turbine blades.
While initially promising, the Turbonique’s immense power proved difficult to control. Even with the best tires available, extreme wheel spin was a constant issue. Drag races often resulted in spectacular smoke shows and flames, but rarely in competitive elapsed times.
More concerning were the safety issues associated with Thermolene and the Turbonique’s operation. Reapplying the throttle after letting off could result in a catastrophic explosion. After a series of accidents and fatalities, the NHRA banned Turbonique turbines in 1967.
In 1968, Middlebrooks faced charges and imprisonment for mail fraud, primarily due to discrepancies between his advertised products and the complex, expensive reality of installing and completing them. His appeal in 1972 was rejected, and Middlebrooks passed away in 2005.
While the Turbonique’s reign was short-lived, its legacy as a unique and powerful engine remains. Occasionally, these rare turbines surface on online auction sites, reminding us of a daring and ultimately dangerous chapter in automotive history.
