me . But then again , I was only seven at the time and already had a big favourite – the Mercedes 300SL , being developed from the legendary " Silver Arrow " race car . In 1955 , it was the state-of-the-art sports car and the two vehicles were launched in the same year . It is duly noted that one received more publicity than the other . Husqvarna was influenced by the Mercedes name launched their new lightweight star to an audience in awe . In Sweden , there was a great Silverpilen fever at the time . This 175cc machine sold like hot cakes and every bike fan in the country longed to become 16 and own a Silverpilen . In the meantime , there was an urge to start riding young , which could be achieved by buying the Husqvarna novelty . This dream was possible at the mature age of 15 and had the advantage of not needing to undergo tests for a licence .
Chief engineer at the factory was Carl Heimdahl , who asked the intelligent question , “ What shall we offer the 15-year-old moped fans ?" Ruben Helmin worked in
VOL . 7 ISSUE 8- AUGUST 2022 // PAGE 129