One-off micorcar built in Spain with known history from new.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Francisco Gomez Lopez

Origin: Alicante, Spain

Production: 1

Motor: IRESA 1-cyl, 2-stroke

Displacement: 197 cc

Power: 8.5 hp

Length: 5 ft. 10 in.

Identification No. A01036

One of the large number of vehicles named for the initials of its creator, this delightful little roadster was the work of one Francisco Gomez Lopez, of Almoradi (Alicante), Spain. With a diploma in mechanical and electrical engineering, he ran a small service and repair shop.

Construction began in February 1958, with the creation of a tubular frame, onto which were fitted a number of components from other readily available makes, such as Peugeot and Ford. A year later, a motor from the firm IRESA (Industrias Reunidas Espanolas SA) was fitted. The beautifully proportioned roadster body was fabricated in Alicante during this time.

Permits and paperwork for licensing the car took two years to acquire, but the car was finally legal on February 14, 1961. It remained in the family for the next 15 years. By 1977, it was being used by the nephew and was sold to D. Francisco Espanoza Mora, a used car dealer in town.

It was restored and made its debut at the eighth Trobada Internacional de Microcotxes de Manresa, held in 2001. Mr. Weiner purchased the car, and it made its way across the ocean to become a star exhibit at the museum.