1973

Though it doesn’t look like much, this 1959 Opel T-1 managed to get 376.59 miles per gallon back in 1973! How did it manage such an impressive number?

• The weight was reduced as much as possible by stripping out every part of the interior except for the seat.
• The wind resistance was reduced by chopping the top down to a lower height.
• Friction was reduced by narrowing the rear axle and using super-hard low-friction tires.
• Weight and parasitic fuel loss due to slippage was eliminated with the use of a chain drive.
• The fuel line was insulated and heated to enter the combustion chamber as lean vapor.
• The car was driven at a steady 30 mph using the stock 4-cylinder engine.

It doesn’t take much, does it?

Prius owners, you have met your match.

[Via: TreeHugger Via: Seattle Pi]

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