FSO Syrena

1957-1972
Overview
Manufacturer	Fabryka Samochodów Osobowych (FSO) till 1972 Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych (FSM) after 1972
Production	1957 – 1983 521,311 produced
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door saloon 'Syrena Bosto' Light panel van Light pick-up truck
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	746 cc two stroke straight-2  1956 – 1966 842 cc two stroke straight-3 1966 – 1983
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,300 mm (91 in)
Length	4,030 mm (159 in) - 4,080 mm (161 in)
Width	1,530 mm (60 in)
Height	1,520 mm (60 in)
Curb weight	950 kg (2,100 lb)
Chronology
Successor	Polski Fiat 125p

The Syrena was a Polish automobile model first exhibited at the Poznań Trade Fair in 1955 and manufactured from 1957 to 1972 by the Fabryka Samochodów Osobowych (FSO) in Warsaw and from 1972 to 1983 by Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych (FSM) in Bielsko-Biała. 177,234 were made by FSO and 344,077 by FSM, a total of 521,311. During its remarkably long production run it underwent only minor modifications.

The Syrena was produced in various models: 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, while the most popular model was the 105. All were 2-door sedans with two-stroke engines, initially of two cylinders. In 1965 the Syrena received a larger 3 cylinder Wartburg developed engine at roughly the same time as Wartburg launched their new 353 model based on the Polish Warszawa 210.

From 1968 a Model named laminat was produced. A van called Syrena Bosto and a pick-up R20 were also produced. A coupe Syrena Sport and a hatchback Syrena 110 (in 1966) remained prototypes only.

A Siren is a mermaid who, according to the legend, protects the river Wisła and the Polish capital city, Warsaw. She is featured on the city's coat of arms. Also a diminutive name Syrenka (little siren) is commonly used for the car in Poland.

History

At first, Polish engineers wanted Syrena to have a 4-stroke air-cooled engine and a self-supporting chassis. Due to a lack of deep-drawn metal parts and cost reductions, the first Syrena 100 cars were supposed to have a wooden bodywork covered with leather-like material. The cars were powered by 2-stroke engines designed by engineer Fryderyk Bluemke. The first two preprototypes of Syrena were made in December 1953. One – with a wooden framework, was constructed by Stanislaw Pankiewicz, while the second, steel-bodied car was made by Stanislaw Lukaszewicz. They met halfway by combining the first car's design with the steel bodywork of the second one (with one exception – the roof remained wooden). By March 1955 FSO had built 5 prototypes of Syrena 100.

In September all of them took part in an experimental rally covering a distance of 5600 km. One of the cars, driven by Karol Pionnier, crashed, revealing the weak structure of the roof. As a result, the engineers decided to use steel instead of wood for this part of the car. One of the prototypes was exhibited at the Poznań Trade Fair in the fall of 1955. On March 20, 1957 the mass production of Syrena 100 started.

Syrena 100

Syrena 100 was designed by engineers Stanislaw Lukasiewicz, Stanislaw Panczakiewicz and Fryderyk Bluemke. It was introduced to the public in June 1955 at the XXIV Poznań Trade Fair. The car aroused a lot of interest, which prompted the government to put it into production. At first, the production rate was to be 10 thousand cars a year. Because of financial reasons, Syrena 100 and an older Polish car – Warszawa shared many parts. As a result Syrena was much heavier than intended (950 kg).

Syrena 101

In 1960 Syrena underwent a first, minor modernisation. The improved car had a pneumatic fuel pump and a different type of carburetor. It also received new windscreen wipers and a better suspension.

Syrena 102

The Syrena 102, produced in 1962 and 1963, had slightly different body details. The "S" version of this model shared an engine with Wartburg 312. Around 150 examples of Syrena 102S were produced.

Syrena 103

Syrena 103 (1963–66) had a restyled front and a different engine.

Syrena 104

The next model lasted from 1966 to 1972. It had a new, three-cylinder engine, a synchronized gearbox and restyled tail lights.

Syrena 105

Syrena 105 was assembled in two factories – in FSO (1972), like the earlier models, and in FSM (1972–83). Unlike its predecessors it had regular front doors instead of "suicide" ones. The "Lux" version, produced from 1974, had the gear lever and handbrake between the front seats. The 105 served as a basis for two other models – Syrena R-20, which was a pick-up and a van – Bosto.

The Syrena 105L was featured in 2013 Wheeler Dealers TV show, where, after restoration, was sold for £8000 to Bubble Car Museum in Lincolnshire.