Retired businessman Stephen Adams believes that one day the world will run out of fuel – so he’s building a car that turns into a boat and runs on wind power.

Mr Adams, 66, of Ascot Close, Chippenham, said he wanted to build something that used no oil and the idea came to him in a dream as a teenager. He said: “It will be a cross between a car and scooter, and be amphibious.

“I’ve worked out many problems but there are still a few things.

“In about a week I should have it ready for floatation tests in the River Avon.

“I’ve always been building boats. First when I was 15 I used to go up and down the River Avon from Lacock, where I lived. I used to explore the river a lot.

“I’m on to my seventh or eighth boat. Some of them no longer exist, including a 14ft cruiser.

“I had a dream when I was 17 that I was driving a small vehicle with no bonnet. I drew it on a piece of paper and it was like this looks now.

“One day there will be no petrol in the world. We’re starting to search in the Arctic and Antarctic and there won’t be any left.”

Mr Adams is designing the boat so it will only use recyclable energy. He said: “It will have two to ten car batteries charged by solar panels on the roof so it will always start.

“Between the seats will be a wind tunnel, which will funnel air to propellers that will charge an alternator.”

The vehicle is made from plywood and timber and has cost Mr Adams about £200 to make. He said he started the project six years ago but it has been on hold to make time for his other outlets including making model monorails.

Mr Adams, who lives alone, used to run businesses in boat building and canal development in Bath.

He said he is going to get his vehicle checked over by the police and Driving Standards Agency before testing it in the water, despite it having no engine.