The Retro Fuel Saver: Why LPG Cars Are Resurging in Australia's Fuel Crisis

AI Summary

Amidst soaring fuel prices in Australia, a $60 fill-up is a luxury. Carl Camilleri, a Ford Falcon XR6 Mark II owner, proves that liquid petroleum gas (LPG) remains a viable, cost-effective alternative to petrol and diesel, offering significant environmental benefits and financial savings.

The Economics of the Retro Vehicle

Over 178,000km, Camilleri has saved nearly $20,000 in fuel costs. This means the $28,000 car has effectively paid for itself through efficiency. With the current fuel crisis, his car has become a hot commodity, recently fetching offers over $20,000.

The LPG Renaissance in a High-Price Era

Camilleri pays just over 70 cents a litre for LPG, filling his 85-litre tank for roughly $60. Unlike petrol, LPG burns significantly less CO2, making it a cleaner fossil fuel option. The car is equipped with LPI (Liquid Petroleum Injection), which injects LPG directly into the engine as a liquid rather than a vapour, offering better efficiency and more power.

From Subsidies to Scarcity: The LPG Decline

Once a mainstream choice with 500,000 vehicles on Australian roads, LPG numbers have plummeted to 200,000. The decline was driven by subsidy rollbacks and the end of local manufacturing. However, the current fuel crisis highlights a gap in the market that LPG enthusiasts are filling.

The Future of Liquid Fuel

While unlikely to replace electric vehicles (EVs) in the mainstream, the LPG market is poised for a niche revival. For enthusiasts, the Ford Falcon XR6 Mark II represents a "perfect, Australian-made" vehicle that offers tangible savings and reliability.