Clarin Mustad was a Norwegian automotive brand that operated briefly in the early 20th century. Founded by Hans Clarin in 1916, the company was based in Oslo and was a subsidiary of Mustad & Son, a well-known manufacturer in Norway. The brand's production spanned from 1916 to 1917, with a notable prototype developed during this period.
The most significant vehicle produced by Clarin Mustad was a rare six-wheeled passenger car, which featured a 6x4 configuration with both rear axles driven. The prototype initially utilized a four-cylinder engine, which was later upgraded in 1917 to a 7,050 cc six-cylinder engine, capable of producing 85 brake horsepower and achieving a top speed of nearly 60 mph (approximately 100 km/h). The engines were manufactured in Mustad's workshops, while the vehicle bodies were crafted by O. Sorensen, also located in Oslo.
After initial development in Norway, Hans Clarin relocated to France, anticipating a larger market for his vehicles. However, it is unclear if any cars were produced in Duclair, France, and the planned production of ambulances, trucks, and buses did not materialize. Upon returning to Norway, Mustad engaged in various experimental vehicle projects, including a single-seater coupé in 1935 that incorporated Fiat components.
One of the notable legacies of Clarin Mustad is the prototype six-wheeled vehicle, which was rebodied and re-engined in 1927. This vehicle played a role in the evacuation of Oslo during World War II and is preserved today at the Norsk Teknisk Museum in Oslo, serving as a historical artifact of early Norwegian automotive engineering.
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