Cleetus McFarland’s turbine-powered Camaro caught fire in a McDonald’s drive-thru—then still didn’t get a McFlurry.
In a stunt as bold as it is bizarre, Florida-based YouTuber Cleetus McFarland drove his jet-powered 1969 Camaro—yes, jet-powered—through a McDonald’s drive-thru in search of a McFlurry. The result? Flames, smoke, mechanical chaos—and absolutely no dessert.
McFarland, known for building outlandish vehicles and breaking burnout records, recently debuted his turbine-swapped Camaro nicknamed the “Turbanaro.” The car is equipped with an actual helicopter engine, an afterburner, and enough thrust to scare off birds for miles. It idles at 45 mph, shoots flames, and makes more noise than a drag strip on race day.
The YouTuber’s plan was simple: fire up the Turbanaro, cruise to McDonald’s, and order soft serve. But the reality proved far more complicated.
“It’s probably the dumbest thing we’ve ever done,” McFarland joked in the video, which has since gone viral. “But it might be the most American.”
The trip quickly descended into mechanical madness. Just getting the turbine to stay lit required garage-side repairs, including rerouted oil lines and tweaks to a stubborn fuel controller. Once on the road, the team traveled without a trailer or chase vehicle—just the Camaro, jet fuel, and fast food dreams.
Inside the drive-thru, communication proved impossible over the engine’s deafening roar. The staff couldn’t hear the order, and heat from the turbine threatened to melt nearby signage. In a cruel twist of fate, the ice cream machine was broken—ending the mission before dessert was even on the table.
On the way home, things got worse. The car hit a bump, lost power, and momentarily flamed out. In the chaos, McFarland shifted into reverse while moving forward, locking the rear wheels and nearly spinning out. The engine recovered just in time—but not before scorching the bumper and igniting the underbody.
Despite the fire, the car limped home under its own power. No McFlurry, no breakdowns, and no regrets.
“Oil pressure stayed perfect,” McFarland said. “Cabin ride was smooth. And yeah, we’re doing it again.”
