Classic car owners need a road map. This is so, as no clear solution seems to be in sight to the group's predicament with the Government's recent move to distribute ethanol-blended fuel.

"It is of major concern to the members. They don't know what to do," said Merrick Reid, president of The Jamaica Classic Car Club.

Neither ethanol-based E10 87 octane, nor its 90 octane mix, are compatible with cars manufactured before 1986.

eminent fuel crisis

This places classic cars - 25 years and older - in the midst of an eminent fuel crisis.

According to Reid, who is head of the organisation since 2007, E10 causes water formation in the gas tank if left for an extended period. And, with cars of this nature it is quite likely.

"A classic car can be parked for three to four months awaiting a part," he said.

"They are not driven every day and may eventually lead to the fuel gelling in the tank," he continued.

Reid said the flip side of the problem is if the gas is used a lot would be spent on repairs and replacements.

"If E10 is going to do what it is doing now, we will have to change our fuel lines, spend a lot of money pulling out our gas tanks, reconditioning or changing our gas tanks, and doing whatever it takes to make the fuel delivery mechanism accept the E10 ... which may be a lot of money," he said.

Reid recalls the situation being similar to when Jamaica moved to unleaded fuel. The significant exception was that an environmentally friendly lead substitute was available, which was affordable and accessible. This, he said, is what other vintage car owners like him have been doing since.

However, things are different with E10. He does not know of any additive which would solve the problem.

cars are in trouble

"We are in a totally different arena now. Classic cars are in trouble," he said.

Reid said he stocked up on 10 gallons of fuel for his Ford V8 once he realised roll-out was imminent.

"My car is over 70 years old and I would absolutely not want to destroy it because of the fuel," said Reid, who owns a vintage motorcycle.

Currently, the club is researching options.