Many goods and commodities became increasingly scarce during the war. Petrol rationing was introduced in 1940. The amount of petrol available to businesses and taxis was severely cut, forcing many taxis off the road. Many private motorists simply gave up driving their vehicles. Others turned to alternative sources of fuel, such as gas producer units.
This type of gas producer, a Model B manufactured by Electrolux in 1942, burnt charcoal and delivered enough gas to drive a vehicle for several kilometres. The Electrolux factory in Melbourne also manufactured other gas units for for differently sized cars and lorries.
Vehicles were also fitted with blackout light covers that reduced and diffused the vehicle's lights while driving at night.
Gas producer units came in various shapes and sizes. They could be mounted on the front or the rear of a vehicle, or even be towed on a small trailer. Some 56,000 gas producer units were fitted to Australian civilian vehicles during the war.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer |
Studebaker Corporation;
T J Richards & Sons |
| Country of Origin | USA; Australia |
| Year | 1939 |
| Engine | In-line 6 cylinder |