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 postwar 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.