In the late 1930s and into the 1940s, fuel shortages prompted the development of alternative fuel systems. Gazogène technology, which allowed vehicles to run on gas produced from burning charcoal or wood, emerged as a practical solution. This system involved burning solid fuels in a controlled, low-oxygen environment to produce a mix of gases that could power internal combustion engines.
In 1939, Spanish engineers Eduardo Hector Leon, Jorge Martin Ferrer, and Octavio Rodolfo Canal retrofitted a 1929 Ford Model A with a gazogène system on the island of Palma de Mallorca, near Barcelona. The retrofitted vehicle used charcoal or wood to generate hydrocarbon gases, which were then filtered and combusted in the engine. This innovative adaptation allowed the Ford Model A to operate efficiently despite the lack of traditional gasoline.
The 1929 Gazogène Ford Model A is notable for its continued functionality. Even today, it runs efficiently on charcoal purchased from local hardware stores, which showcases the durability and adaptability of both the original Ford design and the gazogène system. This is an exceptionally rare and valuable piece of automotive history as it is one of the few surviving examples of gazogène-powered cars.
The 1929 Gazogène Ford Model A represents a unique blend of American and Spanish engineering that resulted in innovative fuel technology. Originally produced by Ford between 1927 - 1931, the Model A was a popular and influential vehicle known for its affordability, robustness, and reliability. Engineered by Henry Ford and his son Edsel, the Model A became a staple of American roads with over 4.8 million models produced.
Become an archive member for exclusive access to photos, videos and historical documents about the museum's car collection.
