Autocar » GT7464TDB

In 1966 and 1967, Autocar worked on an experimental gas turbine truck. Identified as a GT7464TDB, the vehicle used a modified White cab-over-engine body with an Autocar emblem attached. The turbine engine was mounted above the frame rails behind the normal engine position. A transfer case mounted in front of the turbine changed the direction of the power flow back to a midship-mounted transmission, with power then delivered to a tandem rear axle with Velvet-Ride Suspension.

Power was generated by a model OT-4 recuperative two-stage axial flow gas turbine produced by the Orenda division of Hawker Siddeley Canada. The OT-4 was rated at an impressive 600 horsepower and weighed in at 2,294 pounds. Like the Garrett GT-601 gas turbine used by Mack Trucks, the OT-4 was also evaluated in military applications including the M-48 "Patton" main battle tank.