If Lynne doesn't want to do the diesel thing, during WW II folks in some European countries -- areas were gasoline was scarce -- would convert their gasoline engine vehicles to run on the smoke from smoldering wood. They'd convert the trunk or otherwise rig up a sort of an air-tight wood stove, gather some wood and start a fire, then tighten the damper to starve the fire of air, then pipe the resultant smoke to the carb intake. The engine would start right up. I think the air-starved fire puts out a lot of carbon monoxide, which must burn well enough in an oxygen atmosphere to power a car.

Ok whoever responded to Lynne, is dead wrong. I served in the army as a heavy diesel mechanic for 3 years, and I have 9 years of experience in the automotive industry. Including Repairs, Diagnostics, and rebuilds. Some older diesels IE:, 80's, and early 90's vw's and dodge cummins would be ok, but anything newer than '95-ish has some type of electronic engine management, mandated by the OBD emissions requirements put into effect in 1996. but diesel fuel is a little harder to find, and also, parts are not as easy to come by if it were to break down. If you want something that is bulletproof, easy to fix, and parts are a dime a dozen, there are 2 types of vehicles I would pick. First, old school chevy or ford trucks older than 1987, they are everywhere and parts a dime a dozen. Make sure the engine is carbureted, and convert the ignition (change out the distributor to a breaker points design) to run on old school breaker points and condenser. (all US cars and trucks used electronic ignition modules after 1972 ish, depending in the make and model). The old breaker points design is outdated, but impervious to EMP activity and easy to maintain. You would be hard pressed to kill that type of vehicle, as long as you keep oil and coolant in it. Also 4x4 and cargo capacity are big pluses. The other choice I would take is an old school VA beetle, Air Cooled. older than 1974. These cars are still inexpensive, and very easy to repair. they also use breaker point ignition from the factory, so no changes needed. the plus side to these style of engines are that they are AIR COOLED so no radiators, hoses, water pumps, or coolant to worry about. They are also indestructible, very hearty little cars, and they get great gas mileage, and they are almost as good as a 4x4, off road and in the snow. I had 3 VW bugs, and I loved each one, and I would buy them again. I have also owned old chevy and ford trucks, so i can vouch for all three types of vehicles.

the perfect car for you would be the "Beck" ... Runs on puddin pops and fairy dust.. named after little glenn beck, it goes sideways and backwards...and is made out of nurf material to absorb the shock from not only a nuclear meltdown but a mental one as well...and if it rains you can just ring it out... great luck to you and so glad I won't be around the doomsday folks when the sky falls......