Modeled after a real-life Firebird III concept car produced by General Motors in the 1950s, this futuristic prototype car was the last of a group of three Gas Turbine powered cars developed to study the feasibility of using this engine technology in a production vehicle.

From its seven fins and the double-bubble down to the hubcaps this replica battery-operated toy is an exact 1:18 scale copy of its namesake. ALPS included a high rpm engine (DC motor) just like the 30,000 rpm turbine engine in the prototype, it also added a “flashing engine light” for additional … er, flash.  It is amazing how this design still has a futuristic feel to it 70 years later.

ALPS created three versions of this car; 1.  White with Red trim (shown here), 2.  Red with Yellow trim, and 3. a Batmobile.    While all three versions are highly collectible, the Batmobile is extremely rare and always commands a higher price.