Sweden have developed some interesting vehicles over the years, and the country’s oldest racing car is set to appear at the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on the 4th November 2018. Created in 1903, the Vabis was a one-off developed by a manufacturer called Vagnfabriks-Aktiebolaget i Sodertelge. Understandably, the name was considered impractical and the title was abbreviated to Vabis.
Vabis was founded in 1891 in Sodertalje, a city south-west of Stockholm. The company originally built railway carriages, but branched out into car manufacturing. In 1911, the organisation merged with Scania, laying the groundwork for major manufacturer Scania AB.
The Vabis car first appeared at the 1903 Paris Motor Show. In 1904, it participated in a race against several imported rivals, which is where its distinction of being the oldest Swedish racing car in existence comes from. The Vabis had a royal connection as well, being used to transport Prince Gustav to Surahammar in 1906.
The Vabis has a compact, four-seat Labourdette body with raised wheels. It’s powered by a twin-cylinder 2.7 engine capable of producing 10 hp. The motor was used until 1913 and then it was stored in a museum. Ownership passed to the community of Surahammar in 1989.
Swedish people are enthusiastic about the Vabis’ inclusion in the event. Bo Soderberg, a representative of Aros Motorveteraner (AMV) said “we are really looking forward to coming to London…and hopefully to Brighton too.”
The Chairman of the Veteran Car Run Steering Group, Ben Cussons was also pleased with the Vabis’ introduction. “It is always wonderful to see a new marque on the entry list – even more so when it is one that boasts such an incredible heritage. We congratulate Bo together with all the others involved in bringing such a historically important rarity back to life; they deserve huge praise and we wish them every success in their mission to complete this year’s Veteran Car Run. The presence of a super-rare Vabis adds yet more interest and intrigue to what’s already one of the world’s most magical motoring events.”
“This will be just one of the 450 pre-1905 cars taking on this year’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which this year is using a different route.”
Image Credit: Classicandsportscar
