Harley Earl, the legendary automotive designer, headed up the team inspired by fighter aircraft design to highlight the technology and design General Motors could achieve. The General Motors' Firebird was a series of three concept cars built between 1953 and 1959, all utilizing innovative turbine engines. The first, the Firebird I (XP-21), debuted in 1953 and resembled a jet fighter on wheels. It was the first gas turbine-powered car ever tested in the U.S. This engine was important because it offered smoother operation, potentially cleaner emissions, and the promise of a quieter driving experience compared to traditional piston engines.
General Motors unveiled a futuristic marvel of a car at the 1959 Motorama, the Firebird III. This sleek, two-seater concept car wasn't just visually stunning with its double-bubble canopy and seven tail fins, the Firebird III was powered by a groundbreaking innovation: a 225 horsepower Whirlfire GT-305 gas turbine engine. This engine represented a significant leap forward. Unlike traditional piston engines, gas turbines offered smoother operation, potentially lower emissions, and the ability to run on a variety of fuels. For GM, the Firebird III was a testbed to showcase the potential of this new technology and position itself at the forefront of automotive development.

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