REPRINT FROM #12 1966
REVIEW OF OLSSON 67
HOPE OF THE NATION
The 67 gives Olsson a trump card. Being one of the few manufacturers with a car in a class that is predicted to grow may give other automakers a hard time to sleep at night.
Usually, small cars haven’t been much else than small. Cheap, easy to drive, sparse on gas. And we can understand why some people appreciate that. But, aiming higher has traditionally meant going for a larger car, since to get room, comfort and refinement you have had to go that route.
With advanced technology like front wheel drive, overhead camshafts and independent suspension systems, some automakers are challenging that “fact” nowadays. Most often slotting in in a size between the large family cars and the small econoboxes, being compact but still practical. And one of few is our Swedish pride - Olsson. Their 67 model ticks all the boxes on paper what a modern compact car should be - but how does it stand up in real world conditions?
DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS
The car is rolling on radials which makes for a stable ride. Overall, the handling oozes of security. The front wheel drive 67 will never surprise you. It maybe doesn’t carve corners like a sports car, but is still a good handler, albeit a bit understeering, however, it is warning its driver in time.
With all the advanced technology on board, the front end of course has disc brakes, making for straight and safe stopping, and reducing the fading problems that often was the case with drum brakes. You still can feel them, though, when the car is fully loaded and driven hard. But that is during harsh conditions and for normal driving, the brakes are more than adequate.
With much of the weight over the front axle, the steering is not as light as one can expect, but still acceptable, and the Olsson is very easy to drive in everyday traffic.
VERDICT: ****
PERFORMANCE
A 67 hp 1397 cc engine is something that is about what one usually can expect in this class - and it is enough in a car that weighs under a tonne. 0-100 takes 14.2 seconds and the top speed is 164 km/h. Quartermile takes 19.62 seconds and 80-120 needs 11.1 seconds. Maybe that should be kept in mind before trying to do some risky overtaking, but overall the performance feels adequate.
VERDICT: ***
COMFORT
The suspension has advanced technology. Independent suspension all around, progressive springs and gas filled shocks. That means that the comfort is good for its class. The suspension soaks up bumps well, yet it is not by any means wallowy. The seats gives good support and are comfortable to sit in. Sound levels inside the car is about average.
We would say that the Olsson 67 is a proof that a car doesn’t need to be a land yacht to be comfortable. Even if it is nothing like a luxury car, it still puts some larger cars to shame.
VERDICT: ***
ROOMINESS
The compact size of the car of course puts a limit on the room inside. But the upright, boxy shape, combined with space saving front wheel drive still means that the room is adequate. It is registered for five people, it is fully possible but four is max for acceptable comfort on longer trips. Better then is the luggage compartment. Olsson have gone for the latest trend and made the 67 a so called hatchback. With the back seat folded, you get a huge loadspace, almost like a station wagon, but even with the seats in place there is room for 768 litres. Not a bad number at all, and the best part is that the car is so flexible.
VERDICT: ***
EQUIPMENT
Radial tyres and front disc brakes are included in the price - positive surprises. Other than that, it has a decent amount of equipment if not impressive. You get things like a clock, cigar lighter, a pretty well sounding radio, nice and comfortable cloth trim, carpeting on the floor, 2 speed wipers with electric washer, a centre rear armrest and storage pockets in the door. Nothing to brag about - but good stuff.
VERDICT: ****
ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
The engine is of a fully modern construction with an overhead camshaft. As the small 4 cylinder it is, it feels a bit buzzy and unrefined but it’s not worse than anything else that is similar. The torque band is great for most of the average drivers out there. It has an unusual setup with a tiny four barrel carb, but it worked fine, no cold starting troubles or stalling. Even though its numbers aren’t impressive, it feels a bit peppy and is well suited to the car.
The 4 speed manual gearbox worked well. The linkage is maybe not as direct as in a rear wheel drive car but we could not complain about much. Ratios and gearing seems to be sane for the car.
VERDICT: ****
QUALITY
The most positive part first. Olsson has galvanized the unibody structure - that means that when other cars are rotting, the Olsson will still stand fresh. And in general it felt like a very well built car. Good fit and finish, no rattles or squeaks and no annoying problems.
But the amount of advanced technology is worrying us a bit. There is a risk that it will not be as sturdy as a more conventionally built car and that costly repairs will pile up in the long run.
VERDICT: ***
ECONOMY
Frankly, the 67 is not extremely cheap to buy at $13100 AMU. You can get more metal for your money, and you can get similar cars size-wise cheaper. But what you don’t get then is the advanced technology that makes the 67 so clever. Also, we think there is a chance the 67 will hold its value well. Not only an attractive car, it is made in this country which means that parts and servicing are everywhere, making it feel like a secure choice for many buyers.
Despite the advanced technology the service costs are kept down. At $532.7 AMU they are lower than for many other cars.
The 67 is far from a gas guzzler at 8.7 litres per 100 km, you can drive it economical if you want to. Just note that it needs more expensive premium fuel, though.
VERDICT: ****
SAFETY
You aren’t surrounded by lots of steel in an Olsson 67 and it is lightweight compared to many other cars. But we think that for its compact size, the safety level is quite good. It has front seatbelts and rear mounting points, a recessed steering wheel hub, padding on hard surfaces inside and there is no overly questionable parts that can create injuries, except for maybe the grab handle on the dash at the passenger side. The door locks are reinforced to keep the doors shut even in high speed impacts and the bodyshell doesn’t feel overly flimsy.
VERDICT: ***
Sheer size is not everything. Intelligent design and clever engineering can get you far sometimes. Like in this case.
FINAL VERDICT: 31/45
The Olsson 67 shows that we have automobile manufacturers in this country that can give us modern family cars that are fully able to keep up with, and sometimes beat, the competition, not only here at home but also on the export markets. It is a good allround car for a small family, that is practical, economical and features lots of modern technology. It appeals to rational customers but yet it manages to have a kind of soul unique to itself. There are no real weak spots but many strengths in the car.
We think that cars like the Olsson 67 is something we will see more of in the future, and without letting patriotism affect our verdict, Olsson is doing its job as an early pioneer of the concept very well.
(Thanks to @ACoolCrab for the car!)