Car history

In this column, Anders de Lange shares history and pictures of cars that have gone down in history. Anders de Lange has written about cars and car history for over 30 years. Among other things, he has written the column "Klassikeren", which for several years formed the last page of the free newspaper Nytt om bil, which was distributed to all households. We can enjoy a rich archive of old brochures, photos and enjoyable advertising.

Citroën GS – a very advanced family car

Posted 09/05/2021 by Anders de Lange

It had streamlined bodywork, hydraulic suspension and an air-cooled boxer engine produced from lightweight metal with overhead camshafts.

French cars were known for elegance and forward-looking technology right from the car's infancy. One of the car brands that contributed to this was Citroën.

Early history

The story began in 1919 when André Citroën started his own car factory. With good experience from other industrial production and several study visits to other car manufacturers in the USA, everything fell into place and the first model was launched in 1919. It was very well received as it was both solid and well equipped and gave car buyers good value for money. New models were launched at the same time that Citroën, as one of the first car manufacturers, built out a large dealer network. The result was that the factory became France's largest car manufacturer already 10 years after its start, but the expansion came at a cost and new capital-strong owners had to step in to remedy the critical situation. It helped and the newly developed Traction Avant model could be put into production. The model was in production right up to 1957. In 1948, the new small model 2 CV came out which became a favorite among those who wanted an affordable and uncomplicated car. The DS19 was a car which, when it arrived in 1955, was way ahead of its time. In 1960, the small model Ami 6 came on the market. It was a small family car with a rather peculiar appearance thanks to the slanted rear window.

Created a new model range

A well-known Citroën model was the GS, which was launched in 1970. A very advanced family car that was supposed to fill the void in a model range where medium-sized family cars were missing. The new GS model was very advanced technically and with a streamlined body it was head and shoulders above its competitors. But a small air-cooled engine gave neither high speed nor a pleasant climate inside the car. The engine was very advanced and manufactured from light metal with overhead camshafts. The car was awarded the title of "car of the year" in 1971. One of the reasons for this award was an extremely streamlined body which placed the car at the very top when it came to low drag. The advanced hydraulic suspension was something completely new and ensured a comfortable ride regardless of road conditions. In addition to standard versions, there were several lavish variants. Eventually, larger engines were also added to the program. 1979 was the year when major changes took place with this model. The most important ones were probably that it got a door at the back and became a proper 5-door with a combi solution. In 1986, the Citröen GS was replaced by the Citröen BX.

Data Citroën GS 1015

Length: 412 cm
Width: 160 cm
Height: 135 cm
Top speed: 147 km/h
Engine: 1015 ccm, 55 hp

Citroen ad — The Citroën GS competed with, among others, the Audi 80, Austin Maxi, Ford Taunus, Peugeot 304, Renault 12, Saab 96 and Volkswagen 1303 S.

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Exciting car history from Anders de Lange's archives

Almost like a little "American"

Posted 17/04/2021 by Anders de Lange

A family car with an "American" look. Here there were panoramic windows and color choices that made it look like the big beautiful cars from the USA.

Opel has an exciting history all the way back to 1869. Then Adam Opel started a factory for the production of sewing machines. Later, production was expanded to include bicycles, and Opel became one of the world's largest bicycle manufacturers. But at the end of the 1800th century, Opel decided to expand its production to also include cars. The first models were called Opel-Lutzmann and came in 1899. To get started quickly, Opel had bought the car factory of Friedrich Lutzmann with equipment and finished constructions. Opel came up with a number of models in the following years, both family and sports cars. One of the most talked about sports cars was the rocket car which was powered by 12 rockets. In 1929, the car drove on the Bjerkebanen in Oslo in front of 10 spectators. But Opel became best known for its family cars, and the brand is still there.

1957 Opel Rekord

The popular Opel Rekord got a proper upgrade this year. Now European car buyers could get a family car with an "American" look. Here there were panoramic windows and color choices that made it look like the big beautiful cars from the USA. In advertisements for the Opel Rekord, headlines such as: "...totally changed" were used. If it didn't say Opel on the hood - and Rekord on the side, they would never have guessed it was that one - so completely different is the new Rekord". Here in Norway, the model came high on the sales lists and the station wagon model became very popular as a company car. In Germany, the car was delivered both as a Coupe and Cabriolet from independent body factories.

Technical specifications

Length 444 cm
width 162 cm
height 149 cm
Engine 1488 ccm, 52 hp
top speed 120 km/h

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Small and sporty Italian!

Posted 22/03/2021 by Anders de Lange

The Fiat 128 with 3 doors became a dream car for young people.

Fiat has its roots as far back as 1899. In that year, the car factory of Giovanni Battista Ceirano was taken over with production, patents and prototypes and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Fiat) was established. Among the employees who came with Fiat was Vincezo Lancia, who was a well-known motorsport athlete. Fiat won a number of car races and the brand became famous. In 1907, the production of smaller and affordable cars started. In 1932 came the Fiat 508 Balila, a very modern small car. The appearance was reminiscent of American cars of the time, only much smaller. Technically, it was better equipped than its competitors. The little 500 that came in 1936 and continued until 1955 with changes and improvements was also a trendsetter. The models 500, 600, 850 and 1100 became very popular family cars in the 50s and 60s. In 1969 came the 128, which was Fiat's transition to front-wheel drive. The subsequent models consolidated the factory's position as a producer of fast and smooth-driving family cars.

Fiat 128 for sale

The new 128 model was an exciting newcomer in the group of smaller family cars. Here there was both front-wheel drive and a transverse engine. The model came in several versions with both 2, 3 or 4 doors. It became very popular and Fiat had a new bestseller. But Italians also wanted cars with a sporty appearance and corresponding driving characteristics. The wishes were fulfilled when the 128 came as a 2-door coupé in 1971. Here it was a lot of sports car for the money.

Fiat 128 3P

Its popularity increased further in 1975 when it came as a combi version with a large rear door. The interior and equipment were like in a large sports car. The new 3-door version became a desirable car for young people. Here there was plenty of space for both people and luggage. With the back seat folded down, there was actually a load length of 130 cm with a completely flat floor. Not bad for a relatively small and sporty car. After several years of good sales, the model disappeared in 1978.

Facts Fiat 128 3P

Length: 382 cm
Width: 156 cm
and height: 131 cm
Top speed: 165 km/h
Engine: 1116 ccm with 65 hp (alternatively 1290 ccm/73 hp).

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anders the long ones — Fiat 124 for sale

terjes cars — Completely Italian at Fornebu

Fiat 1100 for sale

Posted 14/02/2021 by Anders de Lange

A popular car model - also in Norway.

Fiat 1100 for sale

This was the model that confirmed that Fiat was a car for people who enjoyed sporty driving. The 1100 therefore became one of Fiat's most popular models of all time.

Here, expectant car buyers could choose from many models. Passenger car in several designs and a spacious station wagon right from the start of production in 1953. A more sporty version (TV) with greater power went on sale the following year. Here there was an extra lantern mounted in the middle of the grill. Up until 1962 minor changes were made to the 1100. mostly cosmetic changes. A big news was a bigger engine that could be delivered to those who wanted more speed.

The new version that came in 1962 had the designation 1100D. Details were improved and the standard was much higher on equipment and interior. In 1966 came the last version – the 1100R. Fiat now had the new and larger 124 on the way so the aging 1100 model was reviewed and upgraded to be marketable. The body became more elegant and got a completely new rear section. Disc brakes and a sporty floor gear also became standard equipment.

The 1100 was replaced by the 128 in 1969, by which time over 1 cars had been produced.

Data Fiat 1100 Special 1959

Length: 391 cm
Width: 149 cm
Height 149 cm
Top speed 120 km/h
Engine: 1089 ccm, 55 hp

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Englishman for tough conditions.

Posted 08/02/2021 by Anders de Lange

Austin was for many years one of England's largest car manufacturers. The factory was started by Herbert Austin in 1905 as the Austin Motor Company.

The first model was a large 5-litre car with 4 cylinders. Leading up to the First World War, a number of different models were produced. In 1, Austin launched the famous 1922, a small and affordable car. It hit the market very well and it was also produced by BMW as the Dixi. After the Second World War, the factory quickly came on the market with new models. In 7, Austin joined forces with Morris to form BMC (British Motor Corporation). The most famous model in the 2s and 1952s was the Austin and Morris Mini. Mini-Cooper made the brand famous in car racing in the 50s. Other popular models were the Austin Cambridge and the Austin 60. To replace the aging Mini model, a new small car was developed which was launched in 60 with the designation Mini Metro. It also appeared under other brands produced by British Leyland.

Should compete with Land-Rover

A very special and little-known model from Austin was named "Gipsy". Austin introduced this model as a replacement for the Austin Champ. The aim was to offer a model that would compete directly with Land-Rover. The Gipsy was introduced with model variants that were very similar to the models produced by Land-Rover. The model from Austin was equipped with a very advanced spring system. Here there was independent suspension on all wheels. The system was developed by Alex Moulton and was named "Flexitor". The system used rubber springs that should provide better accessibility and greater comfort when driving off-road. In order to make the model known, Austin invested in many "stunts" to get publicity around this model. The problem was that Land-Rover had a solid grip on the "off-road" market, and had several variants to offer. When BMC was merged with Leyland to "British Leyland", Land-Rover and Austin Gipsy ended up in the same company. The production of "Gipsy" was stopped after approx. 21000 cars had been produced.
Austin "Gipsy" was produced between 1958 and 1968.

Facts about Austin "Gipsy"

Length: 406 cm
Width: 170 cm
Height: 185 cm
Engine: 2199 ccm, 62 hp

Clipping from Aftenposten on 04.09.1958/XNUMX/XNUMX

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Austin A-90 Atlantic

Posted 31/01/2021 by Anders de Lange

A slightly special car model from Austin.

Austin was for many years one of England's largest car manufacturers. The factory was started by Herbert Austin in 1905 as the Austin Motor Company. The first model was a large 5-litre car with 4 cylinders. Leading up to the First World War, a number of different models were produced. In 1, Austin launched the famous 1922, a small and affordable car. It hit the market very well and was also produced by BMW as the Dixi. After the Second World War, the factory quickly came on the market with new models. In 7, Austin joined forces with Morris to form BMC (British Motor Corporation). The most famous model in the 2s and 1952s was the Austin and Morris Mini. Mini-Cooper made the brand famous in car racing in the 50s. Other popular models were the Austin Cambridge and the Austin 60. Austin had a large export share in the 60s and 1100s.

Tailored for the USA

A small mistake from Austin was the launch of the model A-90 Atlantic in 1948. There were many good reasons for releasing this model onto the market. Austin wanted a better position in the important American market for several reasons. Exports were important in the first years after the war ended in 1945. Austin chose to bring out a completely new model that was tailored for export to the United States, among others. The model had a design that was influenced by competing American car models. But the new model from Austin had a handicap, namely an engine with only 4 cylinders. It was difficult when American competitors had larger 6-cylinder engines.

Tested on track and mountain roads

Ahead of its introduction in the US, it was run on several tracks and achieved good results. Sales were very poor and one of the reasons was probably that the model was too similar to an American car. Car buyers looking to buy a sports car chose other European models. In Norway, we got the first glimpse of the new car when it was tested on Norwegian roads in 1948. The trip went from Oslo to Bergen with television footage on the square in Hønefoss. It attracted a lot of interest.

Production of this model was stopped in 1952 after disappointing sales of less than 8000 copies.

Technical data Austin A-90 Atlantic

Engine: 2260 ccm – 88 hp
Length: 449 cm
Width: 177 cm
Height: 152 cm
Top speed 155 km/h

austin atlantic — 1950 Austin Atlantic advertisement

See

a-90 atlantic — "Field experience". Newspaper clippings from the Oslo Bergen trip.

A small Renault

Posted 18/01/2021 by Anders de Lange

renault 4cv — Renault USA line brochure – 1958

An example of how much car can be squeezed into a small shell.

You have to go all the way back to 1898 to find the start for Renault. It happened in Paris, and the man was Louis Renault. The first car was built in a small shed in his parents' garden outside Paris. As for other start-up car factories, it was important to participate in car races, and Renault won its first victories before 1900. The next models followed the development of the market, bigger cars with stronger engines.

Many popular family cars

In 1923, a small car appeared to take on the competition with Citroën. The theme of small cars was followed up in 1946 with the model 4 CV. It was one of the smallest 4-door passenger cars that has been serially produced. It was followed by the Dauphine in 1956. One of the most famous models, the R4 came in 1962 with front-wheel drive. In the future, a number of new family cars arrived. Some with rear-wheel drive (R8) and others with front-wheel drive (R5/R6/R12/R16). There have been many popular family cars from Renault and that is still the trend.

Renault 4CV

The Renault factory was nationalized in 1945. During the war, France and the factory were occupied, and there was a ban on developing new passenger cars. But in the development department, the engineers worked in secret on a small new passenger car. Already in 1943, a prototype was ready. It was very round in shape and not so much reminiscent of the Volkswagen bubble. The finished car went into limited production and was presented to the public in 1946 and went on sale in 1947.

Monte Carlo Rally

The factory actively participated in motorsport before the war, and wanted to continue doing so. Therefore, the volume of the engine was reduced to 747 ccm, and the Renault 4cv went straight into the class for cars under 750 ccm. It resulted in several victories in, among others, the Rallye Monte-Carlo. Alpine, which became a famous sports car, was based on the 4cv. As a people's car, the Renault 4cv became very popular in many countries. In 1956 the Renault Dauphine was launched and sales of the 4cv declined.

Renault 4CV facts

Top speed: 92 km/h
Engine: 760 ccm – 19 hp
Measurements: Length 361 cm, width 143 cm
Produced 1947-1961

renault 750 — Was marketed as the Renault 750 in the UK (click for larger image)

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Lloyd Alexander TS

Posted 08/01/2021 by Anders de Lange

A small car with several exciting features.

Today, Lloyd is cars that are on their way into oblivion. It's a bit sad as this was a car brand that had a proud history going all the way back to 1908.

The first cars produced were licensed electric cars. A merger with the Hansa car factory resulted in both a new name and new products. The new models were now marketed as Hansa and Hansa-Lloyd. The factory merged with Borgward in 1929 and the cars were then produced under the names Hansa and Borgward. After the war, the Lloyd brand name was used again on a series of affordable and very simple models. The first cars came on the market in 1951. These were simple car models where the body was built on a wooden frame and covered with plastic. Gradually, the cars were given all-metal bodies. The cars remained very small, but new models with larger engines and more equipment were launched continuously. Lloyd disappeared when the Borgward group went bankrupt in 1961. Lloyd had produced about 350,000 passenger cars in total since 1950.

Lloyd Alexander TS

Lloyd Alexander was a model series that the factory launched in 1957. Alexander was a further development of the previous model LP 600. Now the small car got a fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox and interior that was more luxurious than on the previous models. The car was also equipped with a more powerful engine that gave better performance than the standard model. The wheel suspension and springing were changed and gave better road grip and comfort.

If we look a bit in old car tests from the introduction, it is easy to discover both positive and negative comments. The petrol tank which was located at the front of the engine compartment was negative and dangerous to traffic according to the tests. But the interior was very appealing and the seats comfortable, it was emphasized in several tests. In contrast, there were several tests that commented on the legroom in the back as "non-existent" if the driver was a little big. But the overall impression was that this was a good and well-equipped small car. It sold well, but that did not help Borgward through the crisis.

Data Lloyd Alexander

Length: 335 cm
Width: 141 cm
Height: 140 cm
Top speed: 115 km/h
Engine: 596 ccm ccm, 25 hp

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Car route Skien – Porsgrund

Posted 18/12/2020 by Terje Bjørnstad

Car route Skien – Porsgrund 1925. From left G. Riis, M. Andersen, Nik. Sørensen, Flatland, Randberg, Fredriksen, Kristiansen and Bærum. The buses: 2 All-American, 3 Denby, 1 Hupp (source: Asbjørn Kristiansen's notes)

A large picture adorns a wall in our living room. A kind of "brave men in frail craft" motif. It shows proud drivers and owners posing in front of the company's first buses. One of the owners was my wife's grandfather, Oluf Kristiansen. The photo must have been taken in 1925 or 1926.

Perfect timing

The timing for a scheduled bus company could hardly have been better. According to the box office diary, ticket revenues were already good from the first day in March 1924. They started by acquiring two buses that could be put into traffic immediately. They cost NOK 32. During 000, they brought in NOK 1924. It produced an operating profit of 62.

All-American (AA)

The first buses were of the All-American brand, also called AA because "AA" was written above the radiator. Chicago-based truck brand All-American Truck Co. existed for only a few years – from 1918 to 1923. The competition must have been tough. In 1919, there are said to have been 26 truck manufacturers in Chicago alone. The AA cars were easily recognizable by their marked cooling fins which formed a front that could be associated with "Darth Vader".

car route Skien - Porsgrund — Former drivers G. Riis and M. Andersen in front of the company's All-American buses.

May have previously been used by Schøyen Bilcentraler

AA chassis — The AA cars were imported as drivable chassis.

We do not know how the buses came to Norway or who sold them. The acquisition was registered in March 1924. They most likely went on a route somewhere else before they were purchased for the Skien - Porsgrund bus route. There are several things that indicate that. In 1924, the doors to the All-American car factory had long since closed. The buses were delivered as ready-to-operate omnibuses with beautiful bodies - not as chassis, which was common nye cars. Who ordered the bodies? Previous owners may have been Schøyen Bilcentraler. The bus purchase was bank financed, but a cash amount was paid to SBC. SBC had already established car routes three years earlier, and was among the first in the country to acquire "large" buses. Unfortunately, I have not been able to trace which material SBC used between its establishment in 1921 until 1924.

Lindzén & Robsahm

Grandfather poses in front of his Hupp. The model (R11) had 40 HP and was registered for 5 people. Hupmobiles were very popular in Norway in the 20s, and they were brought into the country by Lindzén & Robsahm in Kristiania. More transactions were to be made with Lindzén & Robsahm in the future. One year after starting, 3 Denby buses were bought. Victor E Lindzén of Lindzén & Robsahm had been in Detroit and obtained an agency for Denby in Norway. H1239 and H1240 were bought for 22 as chassis.

Wattenberg Carriage and Body Factory

In subsequent months, the bus company paid money to A. Wattenberg for the bodies. The beautiful bodies for the buses were made locally in Skien. The Wattenberg carriage and bodywork factory probably stood where the Wattenberg XY petrol station and GB Autotech are located today.

H1238 had a somewhat simple wooden body and was more affordable than the other two. It seems smaller - smaller engine and payload - and maybe used?

Denby Truck Co.

Another truck brand that is long gone. The production of Denby trucks continued from 1914 to 1930. They also supplied finished chassis where the superstructures were carried out locally. Surely not so stupid with regard to shipping. In addition, there were carriage makers "everywhere" shortly after the horse-and-carriage era. Denby was quite a popular brand for vans and trucks with a payload between 1 – 2,5 tonnes. In 1925, the cars in Norway were equipped with engines of between 30 and 50 HP. H1239 and H1240 are probably 2,5-ton cars, while H1238 may have been a lighter version.

Skien Porsgrunn — H1239 with Nik. Sørensen behind the wheel? The car route Skien – Porsgrund. **The image is from the National Library's picture collection. Telemark Museum.**

From Denby to Studbaker

According to the accounts, bus traffic between Skien and Porsgrunn exceeded all expectations. A good deal of money flowed out to the city's car workshops, but the ticket revenue meant that the company made good profits. Two years after the start, the owners traveled to Drammen, to the company Chatinco Bang A/S, which sold Studebaker. During the next two years, the Bilruten Skien - Porsgrund was enriched with three new Studbakers. In the late twenties and up until the war, Studebaker was a very popular bus brand. They came as drivable chassis from the USA and had the bodies built here at home.

Become part of the BO buses

It would turn out that starting a car route between Skien and Porsgrunn was not a bad idea at all. A few years later, Norsk Hydro established itself on Herøya. Then the level of activity increased, and after the war the company was merged with Porsgrunnsfirmaet Omnibusfart, which merged with Busstrafikk for the "BO buses", - which many still have fond memories of. In 1985 everything was bought up by the giant NSB/Nettbuss. Today's regular buses are operated by a few large companies.

There is no longer room for small players like in my grandfather's day.