Encore Puzzler Answer, 8/2/97: Chia Cars

RAY: Here's the Puzzler. In 1993, a book was published about methods to make industrial production ecologically friendly. In it the author mentions an auto prototype proposed by a leading automobile executive. If the proposed car were actually put into production...

TOM: This is a quote now?

RAY: I can't take credit for this. I stole this from Mark Warren of Worcester, Massachusetts. If the proposed car were actually put into production -- its body would be made of soybean plastic, it would be powered by ethanol, and would run on tires -- ready for this?

TOM: Made out of road kill?

RAY: Made from goldenrod. The car would in fact be biodegradable. We would, said the executive, be growing our own cars. Notice the drama in the air? The question is, name this innovative automobile executive.

The answer: Henry Ford.

[ Car Talk Puzzler ]