⚠️Lost Gems💥 - In the vast landscape of unique concept cars, many innovative designs remain hidden from the public eye. One such groundbreaking design was the GVANG Steamer, a unique futuristic steam-engined vehicle that aimed to revolutionize both performance and sustainability. Developed in Sydney during the early 1970s, despite its promise, the high-performance car was never made it to mass production.
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| The GVANG Steamer was a unique futuristic steam-engined vehicle that aimed to revolutionize both performance and sustainability, and was first presented at the Sydney International Motor Show in 1972. (Picture from: CarMechanic) |
As the early 1970s saw a growing interest in low-pollution power systems, the GVANG was designed to demonstrate the potential of steam power. The project aimed to surpass the 1906 steam land speed record. The car was the brainchild of Gene van Grecken, an artist and architect, with help from Bob Britton and Stan Smith. Privately funded from 1968 to 1980, the GVANG was designed to achieve a top speed of 200 mph.  |
| The GVANG Steamer was the brainchild of Gene van Grecken, an artist and architect, with help from his colleagues Bob Britton and Stan Smith. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscars) |
For regular road use, a detuned version was planned, limiting the speed to approximately 118 mph. Between 1971 and 1972, the GVANG Steamer was a lightweight prototype with a steel frame chassis and aluminum bodywork by Sydney-based Hadley coachworks. The full canopy opening allowed easy access to the cabin, emphasizing its futuristic design.
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| The GVANG Steamer featured an exceptional two-cylinder steam engine that produced an impressive 300 bhp, as published by Popular Mechanics auto magazine in 1972. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscars) |
The GVANG Steamer featured an exceptional two-cylinder steam engine that produced an impressive 300 bhp of power. This engine, mounted between the rear wheels, had a capacity of 2.9 liters and utilized oscillating pistons. An electronically controlled generator managed the steam supply, optimizing the engine's performance. The engine's remarkable torque at low speeds eliminated the need for a clutch or gearbox, showcasing the innovative engineering behind the GVANG Steamer prototype.
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| The GVANG Steamer was a lightweight prototype with a steel frame chassis and aluminum bodywork by Sydney-based Hadley coachworks. (Picture from: PostWarClassic) |
As written on the brochure, the GVANG Steamer's specifications included a lightweight flash steam engine with 300 bhp, a flat torque curve from rest, and dimensions of 163.5 inches in length, 65 inches in width, 38 inches in height, and a 113-inch wheelbase. The car had a 54-inch track, weighed 13.5 hundredweight, and featured 9-inch wheels, Firestone 10-15-15 Indy High-Speed tires, and Girling 11-inch brakes.
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| The GVANG Steamer's specifications included a lightweight flash steam engine with 300 bhp, a flat torque curve from rest, and dimensions of 163.5 inches in length, 65 inches in width, 38 inches in height, and a 113-inch wheelbase. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscars) |
The GVANG's sleek aluminum body was first presented at the Sydney International Motor Show in 1972. While the vehicle was complete, its power plant was still being refined and tested on a chassis dynamometer. Despite these ambitious plans, this concept car received a warm welcome from visitors, and the Sydney media covered it extensively.
Despite uncertainties about the engine's development, the project was eventually halted, and the body and chassis were sold at auction. It is believed that the GVANG's chassis and body remain in Australia, possibly in the Blue Mountains near Sydney. Rumors suggest that Shell Oil Company acquired the engine technology. | Yl2zkf7PfLs |
Although the GVANG Steamer never entered production due to financial constraints, it remains a captivating chapter in automotive history. This innovative vehicle highlighted the potential of alternative power sources and continues to inspire those who dream of a future where sustainability and high performance coexist seamlessly. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTSCARS | CAR MECHANIC | THE SIDNEY MORNING HERALD | CARTEFACTS | STEAMENGINEFANDOM | BOLLYBLOG | WEIRDWHEELD | AUTONXT ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
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