Unique jet car pulled from auction
Some auction lots sell for millions. Others never make it to the block. That is exactly what happened to the Flying Caduceus — a unique jet-powered land-speed record car that changed motorsport history. It was expected to sell for up to $90,000 this month, but the lot was quietly withdrawn, leaving enthusiasts guessing about the fate of one of the most significant speed machines in history.
First of its kind
Offered by auction house Bonhams as part of the National Automobile Museum auction in Reno, Nevada, the 1960 Flying Caduceus had an estimate of $70,000 to $90,000 and was scheduled to be sold with no reserve. However, according to auction information, the lot was withdrawn before bidding began.
This outcome is particularly intriguing, as the Flying Caduceus is no ordinary Bonneville oddity. Designed by Dr. Nathan Ostich in the late 1950s, it is considered the first purpose-built jet car for setting land speed records.
Bonhams photos
At a time when piston engines still dominated speed record attempts, Ostich envisioned a car capable of exceeding 500 mph (805 km/h). The speedometer, incidentally, is marked up to over 700 mph. Achieving this goal required overcoming challenges that went far beyond finding enough power.
The real enemy was the tires
The biggest obstacle was not the engine, but the tires. According to historical accounts cited by the auction house, Ostich and his team realized that conventional tires would literally tear themselves apart at the rotational speeds required for 500 mph. Ultimately, Firestone joined the project, developing a specialized set of wheels and tires capable of withstanding immense stresses.
The power source was a General Electric J47-19 turbojet engine — a variant originally built to give the Convair B-36 Peacemaker bomber additional thrust during takeoff. The primary US nuclear bomber of the early 1950s carried four such engines alongside six piston engines. This particular engine produced 5,200 pounds of thrust, equivalent to approximately 6,930 hp. It was housed inside a tubular chassis four feet in diameter, covered with an aluminum body. The package was complemented by independent suspension on all four wheels, disc brakes, and an eight-foot parachute.
A legacy greater than its top speed
Although the Flying Caduceus never reached its ultimate goal, it achieved 359.7 mph (579 km/h) during testing, proving that jet-powered land-speed record cars were viable. This breakthrough paved the way for machines like Craig Breedlove’s Spirit of America, Richard Noble’s Thrust programs, and ultimately Andy Green’s Thrust SSC, which still holds the land speed record.
In this sense, the Flying Caduceus may be one of the most influential cars you have never heard of. Whether it returns to auction or disappears into private hands, its place in the history of land speed racing is already secured.
Bonhams photos
The story of the Flying Caduceus is a vivid example of how bold engineering decisions and a willingness to take risks can change an entire industry. Despite the car not breaking the desired record, it became a technological springboard for future generations of speed machines. Its withdrawal from auction only adds to the mystique of this already legendary car, reminding us that true value is sometimes measured not by money, but by impact on history.