On The Pegs March 2020 - Volume 5 - Issue 3

On The Pegs VOL. 5 ISSUE 3 - MARCH 2020 87 Then, there was a second generation of machines, which were improved by be- ing lighter and faster. Parts made of aluminium and magnesium saved weight and new front forks as well as better frames made the DT models flexible racers. Both expert and novice riders cherished these new machines, which were launched in 1933 for the 350cc and 500cc classes. Our colour photos show a potent top-valve 350DT with aluminium cylinder-head, shorter wheelbase and a steeper front fork angle. “This four-speed engine runs on methanol and is more or less a unique machine today as there are few left of the top-valve 350DT from 1933”, says owner Ove Johansson at the MC-Collection museum. All in all, research showed that Husqvarna merely churned out some 25 units plus a few extra engines of the 350DT and 500DT models. So, the contribution to the factory business was meagre, to say the least. As the Huskvarna-based factory decided to abandon racing in 1935, Mannerstedt decided to leave Husqvarna and moved to Stockholm. Together with engineer and friend Gunnar Hagström, they made a third generation of this single-cylinder engine. It was now called SRM for Swedish Racing Motor and after extensive development after World War II, the final products were ready for sale in 1948. The new 350DT and 500DT models were based on the bigger cylinder capacity but could also be delivered as a 350 racer. About 30 units were delivered in 1948 after ace rider Eje Sandin participated in the Solvalla 1000-metre competition in style. This Stockholm event was held in the autumn of 1947 and became the inaugural race for SRM. A few years later, Gunnar Hagström produced another five units, that were now labelled HRM for Hagström Racing Motor. After 1951, the project died, only to reappear later on – again with the Husqvarna logo on the petrol tank. But that is another story. So, how about my father’s Husqvarna achievements then? Well, the greatest victory of his career was at the “Lyckåsbacken” on a slippery track where rain fell before the 2 o’clock start. Tore ousted the competition, won his class and set the fastest time of the day at 32.9 seconds. The win on this 575-metre hill climb track gave him a handshake and an impressive trophy given by the baroness Piper at the Lyckås castle near Ystad. Happiness was a Husqvarna machine in the golden Good Old Days! n

On The Pegs March 2020 - Volume 5 - Issue 3 | Page 87