If you wish to see precisely how a lot driving has modified over the previous century, check out the 1916 Autocar coal truck featured on a current episode of “Jay Leno’s Storage.”

One in all a number of autos from this era in Leno’s private assortment, this truck is a real throwback to the early days of driving. It has no battery (only a magneto), so all you get are acetylene lights and a hand crank. It rolls on wood wheels with stable vulcanized rubber tires, with holes within the rear tires for spikes for winter driving. Considerably worryingly, Leno says they’re the century-old originals.

The benefit of this anachronistic {hardware} is that the truck can sit for lengthy intervals of time and nonetheless fireplace up instantly, Leno explains within the video. The effort-free engine is a 2-cylinder boxer of unknown displacement, producing 18 hp. That is sufficient to lug 2.5 tons of coal at a prime velocity of about 25 mph. It is channeled to the rear wheels via a 3-speed guide transmission.

The engine sits underneath the seats, which fold up for entry. The simplistic design means the primary upkeep activity is including oil, the extent of which is checked by turning spigots to see how a lot comes out. Getting the oil as much as temperature might be tough due to the engine’s sluggish working velocity, Leno stated, however that additionally means overheating is unlikely.

Suspension consists of beefy-looking lead springs, whereas mechanical brakes deal with deceleration.

Even the job this truck was constructed for is outdated. It was designed to ship coal to houses and different buildings for heating. Dwelling coal furnaces went the best way of the hand starter way back, to the advantage of air high quality and decrease carbon emissions.

Autocar is likely one of the oldest car producers in existence. Based in Pennsylvania on the flip of the twentieth century, it initially constructed vehicles and vehicles, however rapidly narrowed its focus to industrial autos. The corporate is chargeable for a number of improvements, together with the ceramic spark plug and rear-end discount gear, Leno famous. It is nonetheless constructing industrial vehicles at the moment.

Leno describes driving this truck as “calming” due to its clean experience, relaxed tempo, and easy operation. Watch the complete video and see for your self.