Another Fuel Crisis?
It seems incredible that only ten years ago the electric car was still a source of curiosity and the price of diesel in the UK was around £1.15 per litre. At the same time the UK was producing around 15% of its electricity from renewable sources.
As I write this the straights of Hormuz still look like a very dangerous place to park a tanker and diesel seems to be rising above £1.60 so I think at present we are officially in the teeth of another fuel crisis.
Of course, this will give ammunition to the politicians who are forcing the pace of car electrification and they can also justifiably argue that the UK has made considerable progress with renewables now accounting for 45% of UK electricity generation.
Of course trouble in the Gulf is nothing new and it was in response to such trouble in 1956/7 that Alec Issigonis was instructed by his boss to make a new small car his absolute priority.
The result was the ultimate Hero Car of the Great British Car Journey which amongst all its extraordinary features, was fitted with an engine with a remarkable lack of thirst for fuel. For almost fifty years the “A series” engine powered Minors, Minis, MGs , Metros, Maestros and many more successful models and they all achieved remarkable economy figures as a result. Well over 14 million of this great little engine were made.
Of course, even earlier in its history Austin and Longbridge were also responsible for the 750cc engine fitted to the Austin Seven. I am always amazed when I drive my 1939 example how infrequently I have to fill the little car’s 5 gallon tank.
So lets celebrate economy at Great British Car Journey : we don’t currently have an electric vehicle but Our Drive Dads Car fleet has some small cars with very frugal needs when it comes to fuel.
You can of course drive an Austin Seven, a whole host of Minis and Metros and if you want to try Hydrogen (why not? Well try and find it on sale) we have the amazing Toyota Mirai.
In 1957, petrol rationing made an unwelcome reappearance, alongside rapidly rising prices…You have been warned.