Plant-based petrol designed specifically for classic cars arrives on sale as the UK’s first publicly available sustainable fuel

Words: Simon Jackson

Pioneering renewable fuel specialist, Coryton, has launched the UK’s first publicly available sustainable fuel. The SUSTAIN Classic range is specially formulated for classics, and allows regular combustion-engined vehicles to be fuelled by environmentally friendly plant-based petrol without the need for engine modifications. It’s the first time that members of the public have been able to purchase the drop-in replacement fuel, which offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based equivalents.

Created in Coryton’s state-of-the-art UK laboratory, the specially formulated fuel is a direct replacement for forecourt petrol and is safe for use in modern vehicles too. It’s formulated using advanced second-generation biofuel manufactured from agricultural waste, including straw and other by-products, which wouldn’t otherwise be suitable for consumption. Coryton’s first fuel in the SUSTAIN range was released last year; with SUSTAIN Racing proving its worth on gruelling events such as the Dakar Rally.

Three versions of SUSTAIN Classic are available; Super 80, Super 33, and Racing 50. Super 80 contains at least 80 per cent renewable content saving more than 65 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels, and is priced from £4.65 per litre. Super 33 contains at least 33 per cent renewables, cutting more than 25 per cent of gases, and costs from £3.80 per litre. Both are rated to 98RON, the equivalent of traditional Super Unleaded, and contain a bio-ethanol content of less than one per cent. Finally, Racing 50 is a high performance fuel rated to 102RON, making it ideal for high octane applications including racing vehicles. Containing at least 50 per cent renewables, it saves more than 35 per cent of gases and costs from £5.24 per litre.

CEO at Coryton, Andrew Willson, said: “We believe that SUSTAIN Classic is the world’s first 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.”

Although the fuels are not yet 100 per cent sustainable, Business Development Director at Coryton, David Richardson, believes they are a significant step in the right direction. “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.

“The availability of true fossil free fuel components is limited,” he added. “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 per cent, 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.”

The fuels have already been used extensively. At the recent Rally for The Ages event held at Bicester Heritage, over 70 cars used the Super 80 fuel to complete the course. It will also be available to those participating in the upcoming Flywheel 2023 event.

SUSTAIN Classic is currently available from distributor and launch partner Motor Spirit at Bicester Heritage, with more stockists set to be added across the UK in the coming months.