If you look up todays date (18th March 2019) you might be surprised to hear that it is Biodiesel day.
You might also be surprised to hear that a whole day is dedicated to a fuel that is rarely mentioned in the arguments of alternatively fuelled cars, but when Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine, upon unveiling it at the Paris Exhibition in 1900 he ran it on Peanut oil.
Now we at ClassicLine love to do everything we can for the environment so here are some of our favourite alternatively fuelled classics.
Fardier à Vapeur
Long before Carl Benz wowed the world with his Patent Motor Wagen, Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot invented the first self-propelled vehicle. Built in 1770 and known as the Fardier à Vapeur, it was powered by steam. Interestingly Cugnot is also thought to be the first person to be arrested for dangerous driving following an accident involving the steam car bumping into a wall.
Ford Model T
Surprisingly the Ford Model T was originally designed to run on biodiesel sourced from hemp. However early into production huge supplies of oil were discovered in Texas and Pennsylvania making petrol very cheap and thus nullifying the need for biofuel.
Chrysler Turbine
The Chrysler Turbine was certainly an interesting design choice for the 1960s. Powered by a turbine engine similar to a jet engine it didn’t require a radiator, antifreeze or any cooling system at all. More fascinating however is the fuel, the Turbine could be fuelled by anything from biodiesel to perfume, the Mexican president Adolfo Lopez Mateos even ran his on Tequila. Chrysler only built 50 test cars and sadly only nine survive, due to American laws at the time Chrysler was forced to destroy a large number of the Turbines built.
Tesla Model S
While not a classic just yet it is almost certain that in a few decades time the Model S will be one of the first fully electric classics. It has been revolutionary and has become one of the most significant advancements in electric car technology, not only putting Tesla on the map but making sure everybody is talking about the electric car.
Honda Insight
Just like the Model S the Honda Insight put hybrid cars on the map. The Insight used a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder engine teamed with a 10Kw electric motor to put out only 80bhp. The Insight is unlikely to be remembered for its measly power but its fantastic looks. The smooth sleek body featured enclosed rear wheels to improve its aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Interestingly the Insight is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
If you have alternatively fuelled classic, ClassicLine would love to hear from you.
