HOWMET TX. In late 1967, utilising a conventional multi-tubular spaceframe chassis supplied by McKee

In late 1967, utilising a conventional multi-tubular spaceframe chassis supplied by McKee Engineering, Ray Heppenstall built an aluminium bodied coupe for the Howmet Corporation. Designated the TX, the car was powered by a Continental TS325-1 gas turbine engine, more commonly utilised to drive helicopter main rotors. Under the new rules that were to apply in 1968 the engine would have an equivalency rating of 3.0 litres. Weighing a mere 170 lbs, it produced 330 bhp at around 6800 rpm (after reduc-tion gearing). An inherent throttle lag prob-lem was addressed by the use of a waste gate which varied gas flow to the turbine.

Suspension was conventional by wish-bone and coil spring dampers at the front, single upper links, lower wishbones and spring/dampers at the rear. The aluminium body was fitted with a roof mounted air collector reminiscent of the Chaparral 2D and was almost completely lacking a rear panel to allow dissipation of turbine heat .

Encouraging early tests at Daytona at the end of 1967 saw the go ahead given for a full season of competition in 1968. Early races showed up shortcomings in handling and throttle control resulting in a number of accidents. Nevertheless, two cars were entered for Le Mans with Heppenstall him-self sharing with Thompson, the second car driven by Tullius and Dibley (the latter appropriately an airline pilot). Qualifying in midfield, both cars hit trouble early on in the race. Dibley's broke a rear hub which was rebuilt, albeit time consumingly in the pits while the Heppenstall car was plagued by a fuel control valve fault that restricted the car to sub 100 mph runs along the Mulsanne straight. The Dibley car resumed after three hours work only to be excluded due to insufficient distance covered at the am. check. To complete the tale of misery Thompson rolled the other car at Indian-apolis corner and thus retired.

Despite a couple of minor race wins in America during the season, overall prob-lems outweighed any advantages and the fascinating project was abandoned.

HOWMET TX - 1968 Steel spaceframe Suspension: wishbone front wishbone rear Engine unstressed Continental gearbox Flat bottom

CONTINENTAL gas turbine engine = 3.0 litres 330 b.h.p.