First Sustainable Fuel For Classic Cars Launches In The UK

Today marks the day that the first publically available sustainable petrol, specifically designed for classic vehicles, goes on sale in the UK.

Made by fuel specialist Coryton, the SUSTAIN Classic range is plant-based and allows classic car owners to fuel their cars without any modifications needing to be made to the engines. There are currently three types of fuel available, and the fuel with the highest sustainable content in the range promises a minimum of 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to fossil fuels.

Advanced second-generation biofuel, manufactured from agricultural waste such as straw and by-products from crops which wouldn’t be used for consumption, is used to create this potentially ground-breaking fuel. This means that the new fuel utilises the carbon already in the atmosphere (which the plants absorb as they grow). Contrastly, when using fossil fuels, additional CO₂ currently locked underground is released.

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Despite SUSTAIN Classic being designed for classic vehicles, it can be used for any vehicle that runs on standard forecourt petrol. With an octane number greater than 98 and bio-ethanol content of less than 1%, it also contains a premium additive package which stabilises and extends the life of the fuel and helps clean and protect the engines. 

Per litre, the price is currently £3.80 – £5.24 (depending on the variant) and is available from distributor Motor Spirit at Bicester Heritage from 13^th June. However, more stockists are launching throughout the UK in the coming months.

The three variants currently available are Super 80, Super 33, and Racing 50. All of these are suitable for year-round use.

Super 80

• Created at least 80% renewable content.
• Delivers a GHG saving of more than 65%, compared to fossil fuels.
• 98RON (Super Unleaded) EN228 Compliant.
• Multifunctional deposit control additive package reduces existing deposits and maintains engine cleanliness and performance with regular use.
• Priced from £4.65 per litre.

Super 33

• Created at least 33% sustainable content.
• Delivers a GHG saving of more than 25%, compared to fossil fuels.
• 98RON (Super Unleaded) EN228 Compliant.
• Multifunctional deposit control additive package reduces existing deposits and maintains engine cleanliness and performance with regular use.
• Priced from £3.80 per litre.

Racing 50

• High-performance sustainable petrol ideal for performance and racing use in vehicles that require a higher-octane fuel.
• Created at least 50% renewable content.
• Delivers a GHG saving of more than 35%, compared to fossil fuels.
• 102RON, for high octane applications, EN228 Compliant.
• Premium deposit control additives reduce existing deposits and maintain engine cleanliness and performance with regular use.
• Priced from £5.24 per litre.

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Sustainable Fuel

The three fuel types range from at least 33% sustainable content to at least 80%. David Richardson, Business Development Director at Coryton explains why: “Every kilogram of CO₂ we avoid adding to our atmosphere, by replacing fossil fuel with sustainable fuel, is a win. We don’t instantly have to go for the full switch to start making a genuine impact. As more feedstocks become available, these fuels will start to contain even higher levels of traceable sustainable elements. However, we want to keep things as affordable as possible for consumers and be open about what’s actually achievable at the moment. 

“The availability of true fossil-free fuel components is limited. So, we’re setting truthful and realistic goals, producing fuels that have a meaningful impact whilst meeting the demands of the user. While we could use ‘mass balancing’ techniques to certify this fuel as 100%, we believe that it is important to be open about technology readiness and traceability. The industry will get there with the right support – which is why we think it’s important to start getting these products into the hands of consumers so they can see how easy and effective the switch could be.”

SUSTAIN Classic has performed brilliantly in the testing centre but also on the track too. It has been certified by Coryton’s fully accredited lab and meets ISCC sustainable protocols. In fact, during the recent Rally For The Ages event at Bicester Heritage, more than 70 cars used the Super 80 variant of the fuel to complete the course. This will also be available at Flywheel 2023 too.

Guy Lachlan heads up Motor Spirit at Bicester Heritage, which will be one of the distributors of SUSTAIN Classic. He said: “We’re very excited to be the launch partner for Coryton’s SUSTAIN Classic fuel. It is vital for the future of Classic Cars and Motorcycles that environmentally-friendly liquid fuels are commercially available, and Motor Spirit’s facility at Bicester Heritage is the perfect location to start an environmental revolution! SUSTAIN Classic represents the best available combination of usability, sustainability and quality: exactly in line with Motor Spirit’s ethos.”

Andrew Willson, CEO at Coryton, said: “We believe that SUSTAIN Classic is the world’s first-ever sustainable fuel catering for classic vehicles, providing a credible and convenient way to run vintage vehicles without the need for fossil fuels. It’s fully certified, tested, and developed right here in the UK at our world-class blending facility.

“It’s estimated that there are almost half a million classic cars in the UK, each one with its own unique purpose, build and history. By creating a collection of second-generation biofuels that are compatible with their needs, as well as those of other vintage vehicles, we hope to provide these much-loved motors with a more sustainable future and preserve them for years to come.” 

Another Specialist Fuel

The SUSTAIN Classic fuel is actually the second specialist fuel from Coryton’s SUSTAIN range. Last year, SUSTAIN Racing was launched and took the motorsport sector by storm by claiming titles in events such as the Dakar Rally. 

Stockist information can be found on the Sustain Classic website sustainclassic.com, where distributors can also register their interest.