In the early 1970s the world got its first taste of peak oil, as OPEC turned off the spigot and gas prices shot through the roof almost overnight. This prompted an initial wave of research aimed at producing more efficient vehicles, as well as alternatives to oil. Shell even got in on the act, creating what still stands as the world’s most fuel-efficient car, and it can be yours for just $425,000.
Using a 1959 Opel Olympia Rekord three-door station wagon as the basis and renaming it the P1, Shell stripped the car to, well, a shell of its former self, even going so far as to lower the roof and windshield by several inches. You’d think something as radical as lopping off a chunk of the roofline would be enough, but Shell went way, way further.
For example, the rear differential was eliminated entirely, with builders opting for a simple chain system instead. The two rear wheels were moved in very close to each other, and the wheel well was sealed off. Under the hood was a four-cylinder, 1.5 liter engine with a small lawnmower carburetor and no radiator. Instead, the engine was wrapped in insulation and the water was allowed to boil, which in the long run would probably be very bad for the motor.
With just a single spartan seat to sit in, the the Opel managed to go an incredible 376 miles on a single gallon of gas. That was over 40 years ago though, and though the seller claims the Opel still runs, time has not been kind to the exterior of this car. It makes the $425,000 asking price seem all the more ridiculous.
Perhaps, in pristine, restored condition, this could be a valuable car given the green car renaissance we’re experiencing.. But I don’t think this particular car has achieved the kind of collectible status that asking price seems to suggest.
Source: Green Car Reports
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