You’re currently staring at the world’s first hand-built car to run on compressed natural gas (If you’ve watched James’ Honda Clarity film, you’ll remember we = like gas as a potential fuel source - albeit hydrogen for the Clarity) and it’s called the Magnolia Special.

The engine’s based on the E-Type’s 4.2-liter six-pot, but emits 40 per cent less CO2 than the original. It’s still fast, though: it makes 200bhp and 300lb ft. Considering its 1224kg mass, that’s a torque-to-weight ratio to trump Porsche’s new 911.

Nice, but why? Its creator and designer, New Orlean’s-based motorbike builder, J.T. Nesbitt, says: “I want to produce a long-distance endurance racecar that extols the virtues of clean burning fuel.” He adds, “The Magnolia Special will embark on a run from New York to Los Angeles.”

Which, in Top Gear speak, means “for fun.”

Click on to see it being built.