AUTOS: Cheap But Not Easy

How far can an auto be driven on one gallon of gas? Shell Oil Research Engineer R. J. Greenshields told the Society of Automotive Engineers in Detroit last week that he had driven a 1947 Studebaker the equivalent of 150 miles on one gallon of ordinary high test gasoline. But he did it only after making exacting engine and body adjustments. Motor compression ratio was stepped up from 6.5:1 to 10:1, tires were inflated to 110 pounds per square inch, the fan belt was removed to save power, front-wheel bearings were lubricated with oil instead of grease to reduce friction.

Not many motorists would relish Greenshields’ driving routine. He accelerated the engine in high gear up to 20 m.p.h., coasted until he was down to 5 m.p.h., then repeated the process. Said Engineer Greenshields: “The results . . . illustrate what can be accomplished if no compromises (with speed and comfort) are made.”