The Stirling Engine Model T

This is the fully operational car powered by an external combustion Stirling engine. Made in Germany from machine-tooled solid brass, stainless steel, and aluminum, it uses the thermodynamic principle of a regenerative heat engine—put to its first practical use in 1818 by Robert Stirling—powered by the expansion and compression of air. An alcohol burner in the rear heats a cylinder; a quick flip of its dual brass flywheels sets the engine's displacement and working pistons into motion up to 1,500 rpm. The resulting expansion and contraction of heated and cooled air inside the pistons operates twin connecting rods which spin the two flywheels to drive its two 2"-diameter rubber-bound rear wheels. Its body design replicates a 1915 Ford Model T roadster, one of many models of the iconic automobile line. The top removes and its two front wheels can be manually turned with the steering wheel, allowing the car to perform autonomous 24" circles while it putters efficiently. Non-toxic exhaust from a full burner of ethyl alcohol allows you to operate the engine for up to 15 minutes. 6 1/2" L x 3 1/2" W x 4 1/2" H. (2 lbs.)