The Wisconsin Special at the Oslo Motor Show
A post on our website r9b.ch about the Wisconsin Special started an avalanche. Long before they found the article about the first test drive of the Wisconsin special on our website after a complex restoration lasting several years, the two Norwegians Jan Kåre Tørresdal and Ivar Åsland, both car and speed enthusiastic, were looking for the native’s record car Norwegian Sig Haugdahl. In 1922, Haugdahl, who emigrated to America, set a speed record. But not on the salt flats of America like he did in the 1930s, no, he set the record on sand, on Daytona Beach. Now, with the record turning 100 in April 2022, the Wisconsin Special and its owner – Heinz – were invited to the Oslo Motor Show. From October 28th to 30th, 2022 things took off in Oslo. Michi Giger made sure that the Wisconsin ran flawlessly and unmistakably. He has been Heinz’s trusted mechanic for years. As a race prep giger, Michi is known for his conscientious work and his know-how about historic vehicles. He also transferred the car to Norway and back to Switzerland.
Norway and the Norwegians – only positive experiences
Ivar had prepared the stand for the Wisconsin special at the motor show with Jan and diligent helpers in many hours of work in advance. A big thank you from us! You made the booth the show’s flagship. We were very impressed by the interest shown by the Sig Haugdahls family, who traveled by car or plane from all over Norway to see their ancestor’s record-breaking car. But the other car-enthusiastic trade fair visitors also came to the stand in droves. There were many interesting discussions and everyone was thrilled that the record-breaking vehicle had actually made it to Norway.
Ivar wrote
My “landspeed friends” and I we all saw photos and videos on the internet. We are “flashed”. The Wisconsin Special is mechanically restored and is in such good condition. And, almost as importantly, without destroying the vehicle’s beautiful patina. Thank you for not repainting the vehicle! Heinz and Sabine, Monday we packed up the rest of the stand and the organizer came and hugged us warmly. He said it was probably the best stand ever at the Oslo Motor Show! He wasn’t actually there when you, Heinz, started the car. Only once was he outside and heard you start the car. He said people started running into Hall D. There were people tripping and falling over each other to get in! Some sit on the shoulders of others and try to run – and film! It was really a success!
The promoter said, as did many other people, that you both and your crew are such nice, down to earth people! I totally agree with that! We had such a nice relaxed atmosphere around the stand all weekend. Thank you very much!
I really hope to visit you in Switzerland one day. Again; Thank you for helping us make this a reality. And who knows if one day you will decide to sell the car…? Maybe then it will run on Norwegian soil 😉
Thanks! It was a pleasure for us!
Sabina and Heinz