The Flying Caduceus stands as a landmark in automotive history—a jet-powered land speed racer designed to shatter records. Its creators, led by Los Angeles physician Dr. Nathan Ostich and a group of Californian hot rodders, envisioned a vehicle capable of exceeding 500 mph.
According to a report in Hot Rod Magazine (October 1960), Ostich and his team conceptualized the car over a steak dinner in 1957. Development spanned two years, culminating in a machine that pushed the boundaries of engineering.
The Challenge of Speed: Tires and Power
Ostich faced a critical obstacle: tires. His calculations showed that a 20-inch tire would need to rotate at 8,400 rpm at 500 mph, enduring a 20,000 G centripetal load. No existing tire could withstand such forces, prompting Ostich to collaborate with Firestone for a solution.
Power came from a General Electric J47-19 turbojet engine, sourced from a Convair bomber. With 5,200 pounds of thrust (equivalent to ~7,000 hp), the engine promised the speed required to meet the team’s goals.
Design and Construction
The car’s structure was a tubular steel frame clad in aluminum, with a cylindrical body just four feet in diameter. The cockpit was a tight fit, and its suspension was adapted from a 1960 Chevrolet. Braking relied on 14-inch disc brakes with Halibrand calipers, paired with 34-inch aluminum wheels and 48-inch tires—a Firestone innovation.
Trials and Legacy
By 1960, the Flying Caduceus was ready for Bonneville Salt Flats. Early tests revealed flaws, but the team returned in 1962 and 1963, refining the vehicle. The best recorded speed was 359.7 mph—short of the record but a precursor to future achievements, including Craig Breedlove’s Spirit of America and the supersonic Thrust SSC.
Now, this pioneering jet car will be auctioned at Bonhams’ National Automobile Museum Auction in Reno, Nevada, on June 13, 2024, with no reserve.
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