There was a time when steam engines were considered quite impressive. Of course, like any other technology, they eventually became outdated and are no longer a practical option nowadays.
However, that doesn’t mean steam engines are no longer fascinating. Someone took it upon themselves to add a touch of humor to a classic Land Rover by fitting it with a small steam engine.
This person is Frank Rothwell, who achieved fame for raising over $1.5 million for Alzheimer’s research last year by rowing solo across the Atlantic at the age of 70. He has also traveled extensively, including through the Northwest Passage. Clearly, he is quite familiar with using water as a means of transportation!
Retired engineer Frank Rothwell spent £24,000 ($32,000), with £4,000 ($5,300) on purchasing the car itself, to convert this 50-year-old Land Rover into a steam-powered vehicle.
And that brings us to his unique 1967 Land Rover. However, this conversion is not as absurd as it may sound, as the steam engine is completely legal.
According to DriveTribe, Rothwell got the idea for the engine conversion after visiting a traction engine exhibition, where he came across small steam engines. He acquired small steam engines based on a 1910 Foden engine, assembled them together, and then transferred them into the old Land Rover. Upon doing some preliminary calculations to determine the feasibility of the swap, he found that the sizes and weights matched up quite well. Thus, the steam-powered Land Rover project took off.
Coal is conveniently fed into the boiler from inside the cabin.
Admittedly, the modified Land Rover is a bit slower than before. According to the video, its top speed is about 20-25km/h, which is equivalent to the average speed of a bicycle race. It’s a speed that turns heads and elicits laughter, while those behind might honk impatiently. Nevertheless, it’s fast enough for a retiree like Rothwell to leisurely commute.
This quirky Land Rover can reach speeds of 20-25km/h when powered by fresh coal.
Furthermore, this Land Rover is no longer suitable for off-road adventures. Nevertheless, with its peculiar steam-powered engine, that might not be much of a concern.
While in motion, the car emits steam akin to a steam locomotive.
The energy source for this Land Rover comes from a piece of cloth soaked in diesel and well-burning firewood stored behind the seats. At full throttle, the steam-powered Land Rover produces a satisfying chugging sound. It even comes equipped with a legal steam whistle to announce its presence to others.
While this Land Rover modification may not suit everyone’s taste, it still has its own charm. It showcases boundless creativity and proves that not everything old is useless. In this case, it certainly adds an extra layer of interest to the Land Rover. Who knows, it might become the “Mr. Bean of car modifications” in the future?!
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