Car enthusiasts in North Carolina love the Charlotte AutoFair, which hosts car collectors and car lovers from all over at one of the greatest car shows in the area. But beyond the best and largest car show event in the Southeast, this establishment also features a classic car each month to give automobile enthusiasts something beyond the sound of a gunning engine to make their hearts race.

This month’s car of the month is the beautiful 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car, made famous for its short-lived gas turbine engine. Chrysler only made these turbine-engine vehicles from 1962 to 1964, with only a few of the original units built still in existence today.

In 1963, the fourth-generation turbine engine was put to use, and though it was ultimately terminated and taken out of production, the Chrysler turbine engine was considered to be a high point for the car maker. The turbine engine in the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car was claimed by Chrysler to run on practically anything, and “could gulp everything from peanut oil to Chanel No. 5.”

Both the body and interior of this sleek, classic concept car were manufactured in Ghia, Italy. Once completed, they were shipped whole to the plant located in the automobile capital of America—Detroit, Michigan, where the car’s final assembly took place.

For car fanatics, this car is the uber classic automobile, even more so because it’s such a rarity. Only 55 were originally created, 46 later destroyed by Chrysler, and there exist only nine actual Chrysler Turbine Cars today. Six of the nine left have deactivated engines and are housed in museums; the other three are retained by Chrysler for historical use.

For fans of 1963 classic cars or Chrysler gems such as this rare turbine engine automobile, the Charlotte AutoFair Produced by Hornets Nest Region, AACA is the perfect place. You’ll find antique cars and classics that have the same kind of sleekness and unique qualities. So be sure and visit the next AutoFair. To learn more about this local auto show, you can visit them online or call (704) 841-1990.