Oldsmobile Jetfire
The Oldsmobile Jetfire is an important model for automotive history that unfortunately never got the respect it deserved. It was the first turbocharged passenger car along with the Chevrolet Corvair Monza. However, Oldsmobile’s system was far more complex and powerful than Chevrolet’s, which deserves a detailed look. Engineers took the compact F-85 model and retained its small 215 cid V8 engine, producing 185 hp. It also gave it a new forced induction intake system that included a Garett turbocharger and a unique “Turbo Rocket Fuel” tank. This fuel consisted of distilled water, methanol, and a corrosion inhibitor mixture which was injected into the fuel and air mixture to prevent detonations (via Car Throttle).
For the standards of the day, the Jetfire V8 was a state-of-the-art technology. Initially, the market was very interested. The new V8 delivered 215 hp, one hp per cubic inch, making it one of the best performance cars of the day. It was almost as fast as the Corvette with a 0 to 60 mph time of around eight seconds. Although the Jetfire wasn’t marketed as a performance car, it was still fast for the day’s standards.