Year: 2021

Members may (or may not!) be aware that many of the UK’s petrol stations have now switched over to using E10 fuel as the standard unleaded provision.

E10 is petrol with 10% ethanol mixed in with it. Whilst we have been using E5 (5% ethanol) for some time, the switch to E10 is likely, according to many credible sources, to damage components of our classic cars.

You should therefore try and use only E5 in your cars. E5 petrol is still going to be available, in ‘most towns’ we’re told, but will be branded as ‘Super Unleaded’ or similar.

You may also have to travel to an independent filling station to obtain it, as most supermarket retailers now seem to stock only E10, and of course, since there will be less demand for it, prices of E5 will be somewhat higher than previously.

If you’ve accidentally filled up with E10, don’t panic – the damage caused by E10 builds up over time, so the advice is to top up with E5 as soon as you can.

The FBHVC offers a comprehensive explanation of the perils of E10, and the situation in respect of future supply of E5 here and here .

Another piece of history has been removed from what was once the largest car manufacturer in Britain.

It seems that without very much in the way of consultation with groups interested in preserving the history of Austin at what is left of the Longbridge site, Lord Austin’s office, which up to now had been preserved at the site, has been unexpectedly moved to the British Motor Museum at Gaydon.

This has provoked a degree of controversy – as you can see in this article in the local newspaper here.

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs has released a statement on the introduction of E10 petrol in the UK.

E10 petrol contains up to 10% ethanol. Ethanol has been shown to cause damage to various part of our old cars, including degradation of rubber and plastic components, such as hoses, seals, fuel lines and filters. It also absorbs water from the atmosphere, potentially leading to condensation and corrosion in fuel tanks, lines and other metal components.

The full statement from the FBHVC can be read here.