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USA
The prosperous Haflinger years in USA were 1971 and 1972, when the "Pathfinder" model was sold in quite large numbers (altogether about 220 vehicles).
In earlier years, according to the Steyr-Puch statistics, not many Haflingers made it to the United States. In 1972, the Haflinger imports to USA were stopped - Probably because of a new legislation which caused problems, so
the Haflinger could not be sold any more. However, at Graz, a lot of "Pathfinder" models were already stockpiled. These were finally sold in Europe and Australia.
Die blühenden Haflinger-Jahre in den USA waren 1971 und 1972, als die Ausführung "Pathfinder" in recht großen Stückzahlen
verkauft wurde (insgesamt etwa 220 Fahrzeuge). In früheren Jahren wurden laut Steyr-Puch-Statistik eher wenige Haflinger in die Staaten exportiert. 1972 wurden der Import von Haflingern in USA jedenfalls
gestoppt - Wahrscheinlich aufgrund neuer Gesetzgebungen, die für das Österreichische Fahrzeug zum Problem wurden. In Graz standen deswegen einige "Pathfinder"-Modelle auf Halde, welche
dann in Europa und Australien verkauft wurden.
Scott Motor Company
I would like to thank Ing. Peter Schweighofer a lot for his help with my research regarding Scott Motor Company in USA. Mr. Schweighofer spent the whole year of 1972 at Goldsboro, North Carolina to work there as a
trainee with Scott Motor Company and therefor could come up with important first-hand information which I would like to present here: Billy Scott, owner of Scott Motor Company, and his colleague George Freeman got
to know the Haflinger at the Baja California around 1970. They were impressed by the vehicle and decided that they would like to become an official importer. They found out that the Haflinger was manufactured by
Steyr-Daimler-Puch at Graz and thought it would be polite to write a letter in german. Since Goldsboro is a rather small town, the only German (or rather Yiddish) speaking man they could find was a rabbi, who was willing
to help. Arrangements were made with Dr. Erich Moretti, then Export Manager at Steyr-Puch and finally, the first Haflingers arrived at Goldsboro in late 1970 or early 1971. Mr. Schweighofer recalls that during his stay in
1972, only about 25 Haflingers were sold. He once helped to pick up a batch of Haflingers at the harbour in Wilmington, but was otherwise not really involved in the Haflinger business.
Ich möchte mich gerne bei Ing. Peter Schweighofer für seine Hilfe bei meiner Recherche hinsichtlich der Scott Motor Company bedanken. Peter Schweighofer verbrachte das Jahr 1972 in Goldsboro in North Carolina,
um dort für die Scott Motor Company zu arbeiten. Seine Erinnerungen sind hochinteressante Informationen aus erster Hand, die ich hier zusammenfassen möchte: Billy Scott, Eigentümer der Scott Motor
Company, und sein Geschäftspartner George Freeman lernten den Haflinger etwa 1970 bei der Baja California kennen. Sie interessierten sich für das Fahrzeug und strebten an, offizieller Haflinger-Importeur
zu werden. Scott und Freeman fanden heraus, dass der Haflinger bei Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz produziert wurde und wollten der Firma aus Höflichkeit einen ersten Brief auf Deutsch schreiben. Da Goldsboro eine
kleine Stadt ist, war der einzige Deutsch (oder besser gesagt Jiddisch) Sprechende, der den Zwei helfen konnte, ein Rabbi! Scott arrangierte sich mit Dr. Erich Moretti, damals Exportleiter bei Steyr-Puch, und die ersten Haflinger
kamen schließlich Ende 1970 oder Anfang 1971 in Goldsboro an. Peter Schweighofer erinnert sich, dass während seines Aufenthalts 1972 nur etwa 25 Haflinger verkauft wurden. Er war einmal bei der Abholung
einer Fahrzeugladung vom Hafen in Wilmington dabei, ansonsten aber eher nicht in das Haflinger-Geschäft involviert.
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Here you see a lovely picture of Scott Motor Company, located at 219 South Center Street in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Billy Scott's main business were Buick and Mercedes-Benz cars. Thanks Peter Schweighofer for the photo.
Hier zu sehen ist ein schönes Foto der Scott Motor Company in der 219 South Center Street in Goldsboro in North Carolina. Billy Scotts Hauptgeschäft war der Vertrieb von Buick und Mercedes-Benz Fahrzeugen.
Danke Peter Schweighofer für das Foto.
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Sadly, it appears that the building was broken down. The picture is taken from Google Street View (picture taken in 2007).
Leider wurde das Gebäude offenbar abgerissen. Das Bild ist von Google Street View (Stand 2007).
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This photo shows Billy Scott. Mr. Schweighofer describes him as a wealthy, fun-loving and entertaining man. The Haflinger business was possibly rather amusement than business for him and George Freeman and gave them
the welcome possibility to travel to Europe from time to time. Sadly, Billy Scott deceased in 1996. Thanks Peter Schweighofer for the photo.
Dieses Foto zeigt Billy Scott. Peter Schweighofer beschreibt ihn als wohlhabenden, lebenslustigen und unterhaltsamen Mann. Das Haflinger-Geschäft war wahrscheinlich eher Vergnügen als wirkliches Geschäft
für ihn und George Freeman und gab den beiden die willkommene Möglichkeit, von Zeit zu Zeit auch nach Europa zu reisen. Leider verstarb Billy Scott bereits 1996. Danke Peter Schweighofer für das Bild.
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This picture was taken inside Scott's workshop and shows Clement H. Bunn (service manager), Walter Grantham (Scott shop foreman) and Peter Schweighofer. Thanks Peter Schweighofer for the Scan (see also
Goldsboro local newspaper).
Das Bild links wurde in Scotts Werkstatt aufgenommen und zeigt Clement H. Bunn (Serviceleiter), Walter Grantham (Scott Werkstattmeister) und Peter Schweighofer. Danke Peter Schweighofer für den Scan (siehe auch
Goldsboro Lokalblatt).
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An envelope of "Haflinger of America Ltd.", Billy Scott's and George Freeman's company for the Haflinger business. Interestingly, it is stated that they were the "sole agents", which was apparently
not true (see Speedwell Motor Company further below). Thanks Peter Schweighofer for the scan.
Ein Briefkuvert von "Haflinger of America Ltd.", Billy Scotts und George Freemans Firma für das Haflinger-Geschäft. Interessanterweise ist angeführt, dass sie der "alleinige Importeur"
seien, was aber offensichtlich nicht stimmte (siehe auch Speedwell Motor Company weiter unten). Danke Peter Schweighofer für den Scan.
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Billy Scott's business card. Thanks Peter Schweighofer for the scan.
Billy Scotts Visitenkarte. Danke Peter Schweighofer für den Scan.
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Speedwell Motor Company
Another main Haflinger-player during the early 70s in the United States appears having been Speedwell Motor Company in Beaumont, Texas. According to information from George Freeman, Scott Motor Company was the
sole importer and Speedwell bought 100 vehicles, which was "the largest and best sale" for Scott. Sales Manager of Speedwell was a man named Herb Pinney. Exept for three
brochures and some
business letters, I haven't found out a lot about Speedwell so far. Any information would be very welcome!
Ein weiterer wichtiger Händler in den frühen 70ern in den Vereinigten Staaten war Speedwell Motor Company in Beaumont, Texas. Laut Informationen von George Freeman war die Scott Motor Company
der einzige Importeur in den USA und Speedwell kaufte 100 Haflinger, was das "das größte und beste Geschäft" für Scott darstellte. Verkaufsleiter von Speedwell war ein
Mann Namens Herb Pinney. Außer drei Prospekten und einigen
Geschäftsbriefen habe ich bis jetzt leider wenig zu dieser Firma herausfinden können. Über jegliche Informationen
würde ich mich freuen!
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This highly interesting picture shows the Speedwell shop at 4848 W. Cardinal Drive, Beaumont, Texas. How many Haflingers can you count? I think there are around 50 waiting for their new owner in the yard. Thanks
Massimo Ferraroni for the picture - I hope to get it in better quality one day.
Dieses interessante Bild zeigt die Speedwell-Niederlassung in 4848 W. Cardinal Drive, Beaumont, Texas. Ich schätze, dass man am Foto etwa 50 Haflinger erkennen kann. Danke Massimo Ferraroni für das Bild -
ich hoffe, ich kann es irgendwann auch in besserer Qualität zeigen.
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The photo to the left is taken from Google Street View and shows the shop still alive today.
Die Aufnahme links stammt von Google Street View und zeigt, dass das Gebäude immer noch existiert.
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Here you see a very nice "Pathfinder" example which was imported through Speedwell Motor Company and still belongs to the first owner. Thanks Ryan Gerrish for the pictures.
Hier zu sehen ist ein schöner "Pathfinder", der über die Speedwell Motor Compnay importiert wurde und noch immer in der Familie des Erstbesitzers ist. Danke Ryan Gerrish für das Bild.
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Note the original rear light assembly (all Lucas lights) with red side markers. Picture: Ryan Gerrish
Man beachte die originale Anordnung der Rückleuchten (alle von Lucas) zusammen mit den roten Seitenmarkierungsleuchten. Bild: Ryan Gerrish
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Here you see a "Made in Austria" decal below the Pathfinder badge. This decal is seen on younger Pathfinder models. Picture: Ryan Gerrish
Der "Made in Austria" Aufkleber unter dem Pathfinder-Schild wurde auf jüngeren Pathfinder-Modellen angebracht. Bild: Ryan Gerrish
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Speedwell decal below the Haflinger badge. Picture: Ryan Gerrish
Ein Aufkleber von Speedwell unter dem Haflinger-Schriftzug. Bild: Ryan Gerrish
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Overland Vehicle Corp.
There also existed a company named Overland Vehicle Corp. in Miami, Florida. This company was possibly engaged in the Haflinger business in earlier years, when only a few vehicles were imported to the US.
Es gab auch eine Firma Namens Overland Vehicle Corp. in Miami in Florida. Sie war wahrscheinlich eher in den früheren Jahren in das Haflinger-Geschäft involviert, als eher wenige Fahrzeuge
den Weg in die Vereinigten Staaten schafften.
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This brochure dates back to 1967 and states that the Overland Vehicle Corp. was located at 15400 Northeast 6th Avenue, North Miami Beach, Florida.
Dieses Prospekt ist von 1967 und zeigt, dass die Overland Vehicle Corp. in der 15400 Northeast 6th Avenue in North Miami Beach zu Hause war.
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This late Series 1 Haflinger was sold through Overland in mid 1967. Thanks Alexander Jay for the picture.
Dieser späte Serie 1 Haflinger wurde 1967 über Overland in die USA importiert. Danke Alexander Jay für das Bild.
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U.S.P. Corporation
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It appears that in 1964, a company called U.S.P. Corporation, located at 239 East 48th Street, New York, was involved with Haflingers. However according to the statistics, only a handful of vehicles were sold in USA in that year.
Thanks Massimo Ferraroni for the scan.
Es scheint, dass 1964 eine Firma Namens U.S.P. Corporation, die in 239 East 48th Street, New York zu Hause war, in das Haflinger-Geschäft involviert war. Laut Statistik wurden in diesem Jahr allerdings nur eine
Handvoll Haflinger in USA verkauft. Danke Massimo Ferraroni für den Scan.
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Imports through Canada
It appears that especially in the northern US states, Haflingers were also imported via the Canadian importer Vanguard Steel Ltd. (which had its head office in Toronto), especially
before the "Pathfinder" model was introduced.
Es scheint, dass Haflinger, vor Allem in den nördlichen Staaten der USA, auch über den Kanadischen Importeur Vanguard Steel Ltd. (mit Hauptsitz in Toronto) ins Land gelangten,
insbesondere bevor die "Pathfinder"-Ausführung eingeführt wurde.
Links
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Haflinger 4 Wheel Drive Club of North America |
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Comments
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I HAVE PARTS FOR THE HAFLINGER AND STEYR PUCH 500,650 CARS .I REBUILD THE ENGINES HERE IS CARLSBAD CA WITH AMERICAN MADE HIGH QUALITY VALVES , GUIDES AND SPECIAL CONICAL VALVE SPRINGS AND COLLERS , KEEPERS... I ALSO MANUFACTURE THE CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS FOR THE 2 CYLINDER PUCH ENGINES FROM MILD TO WILD. i ALSO CONVERT THE FIAT 500 TO RUN THE PUCH ENGINES IN THEM ...LEO
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dont forget..SAN DIEGO MOTOR IMPTS. also imported the haflingers in 1973...i mijself was send to the factory at graz for tech. training in 1973. i think whe got abouth 20 of them in 1974. plus all the parts what was requered as a dealer. i repaired several transmisions what was send to the dealer here in san diego, from hawaii,alaska,montana.itwas a goodtime while it lasted. jake
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Just had an inquiry one year after I got rid of all my parts. I should have notified that they were gone sooner.
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I have come across many parts for Haflinger, some rusted, some in boxes. I have a complete parts manual. Engine -1974 or 1972
If interested I can send digital photos of what I have.
Located in central FL.
Jerry
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Greetings,
I have two Haflingers--a 1971 North American and a 1967 Swiss Military 700AP. The NA Haffy is used primarily on-road in my town to get us to local attractions where parking is limited--the small size often makes it possible to get into spots that other people pass up. The Swiss Haffy was modified with a roll-cage and is used primarily for off-road trips. These are great vehicles, and they always draw much attention. Thanks for your great site, Constantine.
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