Year and place: 1890-1894, Ystad

The brothers Anders (smith) and Jöns (painter) constructed their first steam car 1890-92. Presumably this was the second car made in Sweden. (After the first, Norberg, several models were built, but no full scale vehicle is known to have been completed.)

The first drive also became the first documented car accident in Sweden. But I find different stories about this, so I guess there are two different accidents described. One where the loose sand gave too much resistance and a shaft in the engine got bent and a pinion lost cogs. And another "real" car accident where the car due to broken steering mechanism went off the road.

The car was mainly a wooden platform with a steam engine in the middle, and a large iron spoke wheel in each corner. After a year and a half they got tired of the car, and started on another one. Many parts from the first car was reused, but there are some photos of it.

Their second car looked more like a "normal" mediumsized horse-carriage, with usual wagon wheels. This car was better, but among the problems it was difficult to change gear. Once in a curb the driver didn't manage to gear down, and the car hit a house. But the car was used during about a year.

Their thoughts about car manufacturing didn't lead to realization. They had problems finding other people willing to give financial support, and friends and others had several apprehensions concerning the dangers with such a vehicle. Scaring horses, unsuitable narrow roads, and so on.

Fortunately, their second car was never scrapped. In 1915 Jöns donated it to an association of people interested in relics of antiquity. It was renovated in 1966-67, and is again in driveable condition.

A close-up of the 'dashboard'

Hey, what.s that down there!?

For fine tuning the engine?

2002-08-28. www.konditori100.se. Text/pictures: Arne Granfoss ©. Prod: AG Informice