Poland did not produce any cars until after WWI. Right after WWI the defense ministry formed the CWS (Central Automobile Works). In 1927 production of cars was started by CWS – the car was called the T1, and was a large and sturdy car. Since Poland had a nonexistent service network at that time, the T1 was designed to be taken apart with only two size wrenches! FSO was the first Polish car company to produce cars after WWII in 1951.
In 1953 FSO began designing the first small car called Syrena (the Polish word for mermaid – coat of arms of Poland's capital city of Warsaw where Syrena was produced). The Syrena was first shown to the Polish public in 1955 at the Poznan Trade Fair. Production of the Syrena started in 1957, and continued to 1960 when the updated model was introduced.
This was the first time Syrena received numerical designation 101. The previous model was simply called Syrena, but since it preceded the Syrena 101 it was from then on referred to as Syrena 100. The Syrena 100 is a very rare car as it is believed only 5-10 of these cars have survived. Syrena production climbed to as many as 38,000 a year in the 1970s, but by the 1980s the cars were outdated, and since 1973, were being replaced by locally-produced Fiat 126p. The last Syrena, now with the model number 105, was built in June 1983. Lane Motor Museum would like to thank Robert Poprawski for his help in locating this rare and unique vehicle.
Manufacturer: Fabryka Samochodow Osobowych Warsaw
Country of Origin: Poland
Drivetrain Configuration: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Engine: 744cc, 2 cylinder, 2 stroke, water-cooled, 27 hp
Transmission: 4 speed manual, non-synchronized in all gears
Top Speed: 61 mph
Years of Production: 1957-1959
Number Produced: 1957 – 200
1958 – 660
1959 – ?
Total: Less than 2,000
Original Cost: About $720.00 in 1958. In 1958 the average salary was $162.00 a year!