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Description
Hopes for the new acquisition were high. The range was reported to be 11-19 miles, and the batteries were said to be able to charge up to 80% in 45 minutes. It was used as an experimental car by Vattenfall for ten years, but the limitations of the car were quickly realized. The batteries performed poorly in cold weather, and handling was not straightforward, according to former Vattenfall employees.
In the late 1970s, it was sold to a private individual who did not drive it much but kept it for over 40 years. Then it was put up for auction on eBay, and the magazine Klassiker placed the winning bid and collected the car in Falun, now without its batteries.
Taking on a fifty-year-old electric car was a challenge for the new owners. Various measures were discussed, one of which was to install a drivetrain from a modern electric car. However, the Klassiker team, being the enthusiasts they are, wanted to preserve as much as possible of the original and completely analog technology. Originally, there were 20 six-volt batteries with 250 Ah, weighing 41 kg each. To handle the increased weight, the suspension was reinforced, and the tires were given larger dimensions. The four battery groups of five each could be connected in series or parallel, providing 30, 60, or 120 volts in different stages. The primary goal was to get the car back on the road and inspected. Together with Verktygsboden, they addressed the various issues. All safety features were checked and addressed. The electric motor worked, but no suitable six-volt batteries could be found, so instead, eight 12-volt Varta leisure batteries were installed along with a set of chargers from CTEK.
Trivia: since the car did not run on gasoline, it was necessary at that time to have an odometer. Perhaps there is a politician who sees an opportunity in that setup even in our days?
The car is now inspected for eternity and ready to drive. Documentation and memorabilia accompany the car. You can find a wealth of articles and videos about the project at www.klassiker.nu/mars.
Free history (7)
Technical data
Condition
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Mechanical condition
Starts up with a quick kick, fast and silent at the beginning. Since it now only has 96 volts compared to the original 120 volts, the speed capabilities are not the same as in 1968. With the batteries currently installed, the Mars almost reaches 60 km/h, and the range is estimated to be around 2-3 miles. Charging is done with built-in CTEK chargers. All old technology is preserved to allow the car to be restored to its original condition. During a short test drive, the car felt responsive, a bit jerky, but it was a pleasant ride. The jerkiness is partly explained by the clutch pressure plate sticking against the flywheel. This has no major practical significance since the gearbox does not necessarily need to be used while driving but should be addressed in the long run. It was possible to start in the highest gear, but lower gear is recommended for steep hills to save battery. The mechanical brain with contactors, relays, and cables reminiscent of an older tram behind the rear seat’s backrest sounded pleasant and familiar to a resident of Bromma. The car has been inspected underneath, and it looked good in vital parts, according to the vehicle inspection authority. There are superficial signs of rust.
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Interior condition
In addition to the extra instruments and controls for the electric drive, the interior is in good original condition with some signs of wear from use. The rear seat was missing and was acquired, upholstered in the same vinyl.
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Exterior condition
Most of it appears to be in original condition with signs of wear from use. The paint has scratches, chips, small dents, and minor signs of rust. Newer tires. The externally mounted spare wheel is a neat detail.
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General condition
Describing this as a enthusiast and collector car is an understatement. It’s actually a unique vehicle with a history spanning automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and energy sectors, not to mention a story of engineering and future optimism - from 60 years ago. The fact that the shell is an ordinary Renault 10 from the 1960s elevates the entire experience to another level, somewhere between fiction and reality. The history and condition in symbiosis with the aura of this concept make it a collector’s item of high caliber.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1968-02-28 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1968-02-28
Senast godkända besiktning: 2022-09-22
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 4
Facts about the model
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Tore Thallaug
+46 705 90 23 65
tore@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.