Dr Morbius Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 Did anyone ever hear of an atomic powered Packard called the "Astral" in 1956-57 ? I just saw it mentioned in the new Autoweek. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> If it was built - it's probably in Iran by now !!! I understand the old Shah of Iran loved American cars ! ........................... Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 There was a strange bubble car called the Studebaker-Packard Astral, but I think it was built around '65. Some guy had the wild idea of powering it with Ionic Beams, or some such. I remember seeing a pic of a very light weight fiberglass body, sort of like a streamlined golf-cart. Of course, it Never worked. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Anyone know why they used Studebaker-Packard in the Name? Did he get funding from S-P or was it someone working for S-P that designed it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 Can you imagine what it would be like driving behind that thing in traffic. It would Fry your Liver in about 2 blocks. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Here I go, talking about cooking up Liver & Onions, Again! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 I've seen working models of Atomic Ion powered spacecraft. The beam is focused forward and pushes against a deflector plate. The horsepower is measured in fractions of 1hp. so the acceleration is Very slow but with low friction in space the craft can eventually get close to half the speed of light. you just turn it around at half way to your destination and slow down for the second half of the trip. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Morbius Posted April 23, 2006 Author Share Posted April 23, 2006 You know , a Packard powered by dilithium crystals would be pretty fast , if you ask me! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> .........................Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 1958 Studebaker-Packard Astral: Atomic energy provided the basis for several dream cars of the 50's and beyond. One of the most radical was Studebaker Packard Corporation''s Astral, first shown at the South Bend, Indiana, Art center in 1958.An open air four seater, it had only one wheel, a roll cage, and a receiver mounted on a single tail fin. The plan was for it to beam atomic power from a remote generator, which fueled its atomic engine and render it capable of running on one wheel, no wheels, flying, hovering, running on the water, or if needed on another planet, no realy that was the claim.The only problem was, all of the atomic stuff, including its engine hadn't been invented yet, thus the Astral was a stationary model.The above information came from a book on American Dream Cars, which I have inmy automotive history library.John F. Shireman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 Thanks, John I couldn't remember or find the details. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCraigH Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You know , a Packard powered by dilithium crystals would be pretty fast , if you ask me! </div></div>To be more "accurate" to the mythos, dilithium crystals focus the collision of antimatter to provide power. But, what the hey? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Morbius Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 I knew that ! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.....................Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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