Arsenal (Hungary) - AllCarIndex

Arsenal was a Hungarian automotive brand founded by Frigyes Bank, a skilled car repairman, in 1980. The brand originated in Soltvadkert, where Bank developed a two-seater sports car based on the Lada Shiguli. This vehicle featured standard Lada mechanics combined with a glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) body, reflecting Bank's inspiration from the racing cars of the 1920s, particularly those produced by Mercedes.

Despite the challenges faced by individual creators in Hungary during this period, including bureaucratic hurdles and political pressures, Bank successfully navigated the technical examination process. This allowed him to produce approximately a dozen units of his sports car, which garnered attention despite the skepticism from local authorities and competition.

In 1994, Bank relocated to Szentgotthárd, near a General Motors assembly plant, in hopes of attracting interest from Opel. However, this ambition did not come to fruition. The Arsenal brand saw a revival in 1998 when the car was reintroduced at the Budapest Autoshow, marking a significant moment in its history.