Home Cars 17 Vintage Cars That Ran on Everything but Gasoline

Cars

17 Vintage Cars That Ran on Everything but Gasoline

Jimmy adeel June 29, 2025

Long before the modern surge in electric vehicles, automotive pioneers were already challenging the dominance of gasoline. Early engineers, inventors, and dreamers experimented with a wide array of alternative fuels—from steam and electricity to wood gas and even coal—motivated by both necessity and imagination.
Their innovative spirit gave rise to remarkable cars that defied convention and pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the road.
Join us on a journey back in time as we explore 17 vintage cars that ran on virtually everything but gasoline.

NEXT >>

1. Stanley Steamer (Steam)

The Stanley Steamer stands as an icon of innovation, running not on gasoline, but on steam generated by burning kerosene or other fuels.
Produced between 1897 and 1924, this remarkable vehicle offered a smooth, almost silent ride, and could reach speeds that rivaled early gasoline cars.
Its unique engineering and performance made it a favorite among adventurous motorists.
Learn more about the Stanley Steamer.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Detroit Electric (Electricity)

The Detroit Electric, manufactured from 1907 to 1939, was a true pioneer in battery-powered mobility.
Its electric drivetrain delivered a clean and quiet ride, making it especially popular with urban drivers and women who valued its simplicity and reliability.
Remarkably, its range—often between 60 and 100 miles per charge—rivals that of many early modern electric cars.
Read more about Detroit Electric’s legacy.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. Baker Electric (Electricity)

The Baker Electric, produced from 1899 to 1916, was highly regarded among wealthy car buyers for its silent operation and dependable performance.
This elegant electric car rivaled the Detroit Electric and even attracted famous owners such as Thomas Edison and Clara Ford.
The Baker’s refined engineering and luxurious appointments made it a symbol of early electric innovation.
Discover the Baker Electric’s story.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Doble Steam Car (Steam)

The Doble Steam Car brought steam technology into the modern age with its rapid startup and remarkably powerful engines.
Introduced in the early 20th century, the Doble outperformed many gasoline cars, boasting advanced engineering that attracted attention from celebrities and tech visionaries alike.
Its smooth ride, luxury features, and technical sophistication set it apart as one of the most impressive prewar automobiles.
Explore the Doble Steam Car’s innovations.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Chrysler Turbine Car (Jet Fuel)

The Chrysler Turbine Car stands as a testament to mid-century innovation. Produced in a small batch in 1963, this striking vehicle was powered by a true jet turbine engine—capable of running on diesel, kerosene, or even vegetable oil.
Its versatility was matched only by its distinct, whooshing sound and sleek styling.
Though only a handful remain today, the Turbine Car’s experimental spirit continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors.
Discover the Chrysler Turbine Car’s legacy.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Wood Gasifier Cars (Wood Gas)

Wood gasifier cars emerged out of necessity during World War II, when gasoline was in short supply across Europe.
These inventive vehicles featured an onboard gasifier that transformed wood into a flammable gas to power the engine.
Although slower and bulkier than conventional cars, they provided a crucial transportation solution during challenging times.
Thousands of cars, trucks, and even buses were adapted in this way.
Read more about wood gas cars.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Milburn Electric (Electricity)

The Milburn Electric, produced between 1915 and 1923, offered urban drivers a quiet, clean, and convenient mode of transportation.
Its compact design made it especially appealing in crowded city environments, and its reliability even led the Secret Service to include it in the White House fleet.
The Milburn Electric is a shining example of early electric ingenuity, proving that practical, non-gasoline vehicles have a long and storied history.
Discover the Milburn Electric.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Fiat 508C ‘Balilla’ Gasogene (Charcoal Gas)

In the 1940s, the Fiat 508C ‘Balilla’ was ingeniously adapted to run on charcoal gas using a gasogene unit.
This setup allowed the car to operate on wood-derived gases during periods of severe fuel shortages, echoing the innovation seen in wood gas cars.
The Balilla’s transformation demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness, helping to keep vital transportation moving in challenging times.
Learn more about Fiat’s heritage.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. White Steamer (Steam)

The White Steamer, built from the late 1890s through 1911, earned a reputation for outstanding reliability and smooth performance.
Competing directly with the Stanley Steamer, it captured the attention of prominent figures—most notably serving as an official car for President Taft.
The White Steamer’s robust engineering helped it stand out in the crowded early steam car market.
Explore the White Steamer’s history.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Gurgel Itaipu (Electricity)

The Gurgel Itaipu, introduced in Brazil during the 1970s, marked an ambitious step forward for electric vehicles in South America.
As a compact electric microcar, it was specifically designed for city driving, anticipating the urban EVs we see today.
Though production was limited, the Itaipu stands as a testament to early innovation in sustainable transportation.
Learn more about the Gurgel Itaipu.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Citroën Gazogene (Wood Gas)

During World War II, many Citroën vehicles were equipped with wood gas generators, creating the Citroën Gazogene.
This clever adaptation allowed French drivers to keep moving despite severe gasoline shortages, as wood gasification provided a viable alternative fuel.
These resourceful conversions became a common sight on French roads, highlighting the ingenuity of both manufacturers and motorists in challenging times.
Discover Citroën’s wartime innovations.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Mercedes-Benz 170V Holzgas (Wood Gas)

Vintage red gas generator car — Image source: motor-junkie

The Mercedes-Benz 170V became a symbol of resilience during WWII, as many were fitted with Holzgas (wood gas) generators.
These conversions allowed the 170V—and countless other German vehicles—to operate when petroleum supplies ran dangerously low.
The wood gas adaptation kept essential transportation moving, reflecting both ingenuity and necessity in a time of crisis.
Explore the 170V’s wartime legacy.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Rauch & Lang Electric (Electricity)

The Rauch & Lang Electric, built in Cleveland during the early 1900s, epitomized electric luxury for the era’s elite.
Renowned for its comfortable interiors and exceptionally quiet ride, this car attracted wealthy clients who valued refinement and innovation.
Rauch & Lang’s elegant electrics are a reminder that electric vehicles once represented the height of sophistication and style.
Explore the story of Rauch & Lang Electric.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. Owen Magnetic (Hybrid Electric)

The Owen Magnetic, produced between 1915 and 1922, stands out as one of the world’s earliest hybrid vehicles.
Its innovative system used a gasoline engine not for direct propulsion, but to generate electricity for the drive motor—a concept far ahead of its time.
The car’s unique magnetic transmission offered a smooth, gearless driving experience that set it apart from conventional automobiles of the era.
Learn more about the Owen Magnetic.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. Austin 7 Gas Producer (Charcoal Gas)

Vintage beige gas generator sedan street — Image source: motor-junkie

The Austin 7 became a symbol of ingenuity during wartime Britain when many were outfitted with gas producer units.
By burning charcoal to generate a usable gas, these cars could keep running despite severe fuel rationing.
The adaptation of the Austin 7 and similar cars highlights how necessity drove creative solutions in challenging times.
Discover more about Austin 7 gas producers.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

16. Lohner-Porsche Mixte (Hybrid Electric)

The groundbreaking Lohner-Porsche Mixte, developed by Ferdinand Porsche in the early 1900s, holds the distinction of being the world’s first series hybrid vehicle.
This innovative car utilized a gasoline engine to generate electricity, which then powered electric hub motors at the wheels.
As a direct ancestor of today’s hybrid cars, the Mixte showcased Porsche’s visionary engineering and set the stage for future automotive breakthroughs.
Explore the history of the Lohner-Porsche Mixte.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

17. La Jamais Contente (Electricity)

The legendary La Jamais Contente, constructed in 1899, made history as the first car to surpass the 100 km/h speed mark—all thanks to electric power.
Its streamlined, futuristic design and remarkable performance demonstrated just how promising electric vehicles were at the very dawn of motoring.
La Jamais Contente remains a symbol of innovation and ambition that helped shape automotive history.
Read about La Jamais Contente’s world record.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Conclusion

Stanley steamer country lane — Image source: motor-junkie

The incredible range of vintage cars powered by steam, electricity, wood gas, and other alternative fuels reveals the remarkable ingenuity of early automotive engineers.
These trailblazing vehicles not only solved the challenges of their time, but also laid the groundwork for today’s sustainable transportation movement.
Their stories remind us that creativity and adaptability have always driven progress.
As we look to the future of mobility, let’s draw inspiration from the past and continue to explore cleaner, innovative solutions for the road ahead.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }

<< Previous

17 Vintage Cars That Ran on Everything but Gasoline

1. Stanley Steamer (Steam)

2. Detroit Electric (Electricity)

3. Baker Electric (Electricity)

4. Doble Steam Car (Steam)

5. Chrysler Turbine Car (Jet Fuel)

6. Wood Gasifier Cars (Wood Gas)

7. Milburn Electric (Electricity)

8. Fiat 508C ‘Balilla’ Gasogene (Charcoal Gas)

9. White Steamer (Steam)

10. Gurgel Itaipu (Electricity)

11. Citroën Gazogene (Wood Gas)

12. Mercedes-Benz 170V Holzgas (Wood Gas)

13. Rauch & Lang Electric (Electricity)

14. Owen Magnetic (Hybrid Electric)

15. Austin 7 Gas Producer (Charcoal Gas)

16. Lohner-Porsche Mixte (Hybrid Electric)

17. La Jamais Contente (Electricity)

Conclusion

POPULAR