The smallest among the big ones
03/28/2014
At the Techno Classica in Essen, manufacturers, dealers and other exhibitors outdo each other with splendor, reputation and tradition. Stands of almost epic proportions invite visitors to immerse themselves in the past. The density of Porsche and Mercedes cars is high, but among all the well-known classics you will always find a gem that you don't see every day.
For example, a tiny car takes center stage at the stand of an insurance company. Almost unknown in this country, the Frisky Sport Convertible, built in 1958, is refreshingly different.
It represents a time when you didn't need 200 hp to develop driving pleasure. 16 hp from the 327 cm3 two-cylinder engine was enough to accelerate the small sports car to 90 km/h, either forwards or backwards. If you dare, you can also shift through all four gears in reverse and accelerate to 80 km/h in around 38 seconds. Probably to save weight, the Englishman is content with a drum brake for the entire rear axle. But - not least because of the plastic body - only 350 kg have to be brought to a halt.
Seven of these convertibles are said to still exist, and the car exhibited in Essen is certainly one of the most beautiful, as it won several prizes at concours events.
And it is the only Frisky in Essen, while there are at least two Porsche 917s and probably at least a dozen Mercedes Benz 300 SLs on display.
Our report with lots of pictures of the Essen show will follow shortly.
