Within Scandinavia’s hard-nosed, tougher-than-nails motorsports tradition, the name Gunnar Olsson stands apart. Olsson was an important contributor to the region’s post-war racing niche, being the principal force behind the creation of the Gelleråsen, Sweden’s first purpose-built racetrack for automobile competition, and home of the famed Kanonloppet races. In combination with this effort, Olsson was part of a group that founded the FIA-affiliated Nordic Special racing series in 1950, which observed Formula 1 regulations. Some Nordic Special races even functioned as official Formula 1 events, albeit with non-championship standing.

Olsson was also an active driver, and he built at least two home-spun racecars for use in Scandinavian events, the Go-On and Go-On II Specials, the latter of which is offered here. This unique racecar was prepared by Olsson for use during the 1950 Nordic Special season. Constructed upon a home-built frame, the car was equipped with a differential, radiator, and wheels from a Jaguar SS, while the gearbox and front brakes were sourced from an Alfa Romeo 6C. The body was purpose-built by the regionally renowned coachbuilding workshop Svedbergs and is obviously intended to mimic the appearance of the wildly popular Alfetta 158 voiturette.

Dissatisfied with his original engine choice, a Lancia Astura motor, Olsson quickly upgraded to a triple-carbureted Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 engine. This engine choice significantly distinguished the Go-On II from its competitors, as an overwhelming majority of the other racecars were powered by American V-8s.

Olsson actively raced the Go-On II in Scandinavian events for four years, and during many of these contests it was shod with special ice-tires with 30-millimeter studs. Two of these remarkable, authentic period tires are included with the car.

By the late 1950s the Go-On II was acquired in as-raced condition by a Swedish automotive museum, and it was retained and occasionally exhibited there for over 55 years until being sold to the consignor in 2015. The new owner set about a sympathetic mechanical restoration during which many period parts were sourced from Italy. However, other than a purpose-built fuel tank fabricated by Swedish specialist Motorima, the car remains largely period-correct, and still presents as it left the track at the end of 1954.

As a fascinating testament to the hair-raising ice racing niche of the Scandinavian hinterlands, the Go-On II would make an outstanding complement to any gathering of post-war grand prix cars, equally sure to intrigue any connoisseur of Alfa Romeo-powered competition machines.