The automotive world has long been exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. In 2024, the Automobile Sportive Internazionali (Asi) and Ruoteclassiche embarked on a groundbreaking project to test the viability of biocarburant in classic vehicles. The Lancia Flaminia a timeless icon of Italian engineering, was chosen for this ambitious trial.
The journey began with a preliminary test on the Lancia Stratos from the Asi Bertone Collection covering over 600 km on the Vairano track. The results were promising, showing no alteration in performance or consumption. Laboratory analyses revealed reduced emissions of monoxido of carbon (CO)unburnt hydrocarbons and carbonaceous particulate matter. However, the short duration of the test left questions about the long-term effects on mechanical components.
The Flaminia’s Preparation for the Biocarburant Trial
To ensure a fair and accurate comparison, the Flaminia’s V6 engine underwent a comprehensive overhaul before the trial. Expert Roberto Ratto supervised by Gianni Tonti meticulously revised the engine, replacing worn components and verifying performance on the dynamometer. After approximately eight hours of break-in at 2,500 rpm, the Flaminia was ready to tackle the 10,000 km challenge.
A Three-Month Odyssey Across Italy
The Flaminia’s journey spanned three months, from April 16 to July 16 participating in various Asi events dedicated to classic cars. The first leg of the trip, from Turin to Palermo covered 1,950 km over seven stages. Along the way, the Flaminia took part in prestigious events like the Giro di Sicilia and the Coppa Tre Laghi putting the biocarburant to the test in real-world conditions.
Throughout the journey, only routine maintenance was performed, including an oil change halfway through and the scheduled valve adjustment. The biocarburant’s performance was consistently monitored, ensuring the trial’s integrity.
The Engine’s Condition After the Trial
Upon completing the 10,000 km, the Flaminia returned to the Vairano track for further inspections and performance tests. The most significant findings came from the engine’s disassembly. The cylinder headspistonsvalves and other components showed no anomalies attributable to the biocarburant. Carbon deposits were minimal, and pistons and piston rings were within acceptable tolerances. Lubrication checks revealed no issues related to oil contamination.
The engine’s performance metrics were remarkably consistent with the initial readings. Notably, the torque output was even better with the biocarburant, indicating its potential to enhance engine efficiency.
The Science Behind the Biocarburant
The biocarburant used in the trial, Sustain Classic Super 80 provided by Coryton represents the second generation of eco-friendly fuels. Francesco Di Lauro president of the Asi Green Commission explained its composition: “This biocarburant is derived exclusively from vegetable waste and industrial food processing by-products, unsuitable for human or animal consumption. The carbon required to form the hydrocarbon chains does not come from fossil sources but from the rigid parts of plants, which have absorbed it from the atmosphere. Essentially, it’s carbon that was already in the air. This makes the process circular and regenerative, not linear and extractive. As a result, it saves 80% of the carbon emissions typically released by internal combustion engines, a figure certified by various international standards.”
The Lancia Flaminia‘s successful biocarburant trial not only demonstrated the fuel’s long-term viability but also highlighted its potential to reduce the environmental impact of classic car enthusiasts. The journey across Italy served as a testament to the compatibility of sustainable fuels with vintage automotive technology.
