In the late 1960s, Poland envisioned the Syrena 110, a groundbreaking automobile set to redefine the country’s automotive landscape. Amidst the era of outdated designs like the Warsaw, Syrena 103, and 104, the Syrena 110 aimed to elevate Polish cars to European standards.
Visionary Automotive Endeavor
As the 1960s witnessed the production of cars with antiquated structures, the Syrena 110 emerged as a beacon of hope for both the industry and consumers. Journalist Mirosław Rutkowski expressed its significance, stating that it was the first realistic attempt to create a modern mass-produced passenger car.
Collaborative Development Efforts
In 1961-62, the project commenced at the Factory of Passenger Cars in Żerań, aiming to replace the then-produced Syrena. Simultaneously, the Automotive Industry Design Bureau initiated similar efforts. In 1964, the teams merged under the leadership of Eng. Roman Skwarek from FSO, focusing on designing a modern car for the average consumer.
Innovative Design and Features
The Syrena 110 introduced a three-door hatchback design, considered highly innovative in the mid-60s. The body design was crafted by Zbigniew Rzepecki, a graduate of the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts. Initial plans included independent suspension, disc brakes, and a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine of around 1000 cm³.
Prototype Challenges and Legacy
Approximately 25 prototypes were built between 1964-66 for road tests, utilizing three-cylinder, two-stroke S-31 engines due to the unavailability of the planned power unit. Despite being prototypes, these vehicles showcased improved practicality, better handling, and lower fuel consumption than the standard Syrena models.
Industrial Shifts and Legacy Preservation
Amidst the Syrena 110’s development, governmental negotiations with Fiat led to the production of the Polski Fiat 125p in 1967. This shift halted the Syrena 110 project, and the few prototypes were sold to engineers involved in the project. Only two survive today, one housed in the National Museum of Technology in Warsaw.