10.11.2025 19:56
A 1952 model Chevrolet, reborn in the hands of a master in Brazil in 1977, has been running solely on wood for half a century. This classic vehicle, which feeds wood gas to its engine through a gasification system, is officially approved to be on the road. After the passing of its inventor, Arnoldo Schmidt, the steering wheel is now in the hands of his son, Elemer.
A car that runs solely on wood has been found in Brazil for half a century.
UNIQUE PROJECT STARTING IN 1977
The story of the vehicle began in 1977. Brazilian master Arnoldo Schmidt transformed a 1952 two-door Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe from an ordinary collector's item into a unique project. Together with his son Elemer Schmidt, they worked tirelessly for six months, during nights and weekends, to adapt the vehicle to a system that runs entirely on wood.
DIRECTING THE GAS FROM BURNING WOOD TO THE ENGINE
Schmidt installed a special "gasification system" in the vehicle's engine. This mechanism directs the gas produced from burning wood to the internal combustion engine. Thus, the vehicle operates solely on wood gas instead of gasoline or diesel.
ACTIVE IN TRAFFIC FOR HALF A CENTURY
This special car, which has been actively on the road for nearly half a century, not only has museum value but is also legally allowed to be on the road. The usage certificate issued by the Federal University of Santa Catarina was approved by the Ministry of Transport, ensuring the official registration of the vehicle.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A LEGACY
Arnoldo Schmidt passed away in 2021. However, his work is still on the roads. Today, his son Elemer Schmidt is behind the wheel. Elemer says he sees his father's invention as "both a memory of the past and a symbol of environmental awareness."