This is a Nazi Messerschmitt Me 163, the only operational rocket aircraft.  About 300 of them were built and used in WWII.  The wheels in this picture aren’t part of the plane, they’re a dolly.  The aircraft’s landing gear is the skid.  The reason for this is that the pilots weren’t really expected to come back, and if they did, well, do your best at landing it.

(Source: retrowar)

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?3897891-Space-Age-styled-cars-Retro-Futurism&s=35a00d318689e9e20880a5463c9601ae

Turbonique!

Then there’s the Turbonique Drag Axle.  Bolts to your rear diff for an on-call extra 1300 horsepower!  Toodle down to the strip under your regular motive power, shift ‘er into neutral, and hit the big red button for Thermolene (tm) powered rocket action!  Note that there was not only a rocket nozzle, but also a turbine that drove your rear wheels.  These things existed.  They DO exist, as in this Galaxie 500 with Turbonique Drag Axle installed, up for auction:

http://hooptyrides.blogspot.com/2008/03/1964-ford-galaxie-500-rocket-car.html

These things were so crazy that in 1966 a VW Beetle with Turbonique installed once walked away from the four-engined Riviera Wagon Master (itself capable of running in the 8’s) like it was out for a Sunday drive.

See the catalog!

http://turbonique.tripod.com/

Turbonique!

Why use a supercharger, which sap power from the belt?  Why use a turbocharger, which is powered by the exhaust?  No, you need the Turbonique Auxillary Power Supercharger!  With a press of a button, the Thermolene (tm) liquid rocket fuel ignites and your rocket-powered turbine supercharger for an extra 400 hp from the flick of a switch!

http://www.tunersgroup.com/TunerWire_Live/Turbonique.html

Turbonique!

It’s one of those things I wouldn’t believe if there weren’t so many pictures of them. In the 1960s Turbonique offered micro-rocket turbines that you could bolt on to go karts or boats and get 1980 horsepower for less than $200.  Once guys started using two to hit 240 mph and do 5.95 quarter miles the officials started to get concerned….

http://www.tunersgroup.com/TunerWire_Live/Turbonique.html

johnnypayphone:

I just saw this actual car at the Petersen Auto Museum in Los Angeles!  It’s a beast.  The chassis is built like a steamship but the faux copper plastic accessories are surprisingly chintzy.

steampunkvehicles:

How could I not mention Hannibal 8 from The Great Race?

You crazy fucker