Freiabilen is the first rolling cultural monument in Norway – NRK Trøndelag
– It has been three thousand hours of just fun!
This is how Kjell Ivar Haltvik describes the restoration work on the Freiabilen, a Renault BC from 1913.
A piece of jewelery from a car, which glitters in chocolate brown lacquer with exquisite brass details.
With a small jug of petrol in his hand, he prepares for a small demonstration of the treasure.
– I have to pour it a little, because it has no choke, says Halvik and disappears under the hood.
– When I came home with the Freiabilen, no one thought it could become a car again. Everyone shook their heads. Now it is a lot of positive to get, says Haltvik.
A rust hole
Little memory of the rust hut he carried to the farm at Ekne in Levanger five years ago.
Haltvik is one of Norway’s foremost in repairing antique cars, and has transformed many a donation in the workshop at home on the farm.
Today, the free car looks just as beautiful as when it rolled around the streets of old Christiania over a hundred years ago.
It has taken four years, and everything is done the old-fashioned way.
This summer, the impressive restoration work was completed, and now the old Freiabilen is in tip top condition.
Kjell Ivar Haltvik is the first in Norway to receive support from the National Heritage Board for the restoration of a vintage car.
New support scheme
Now he is paving the way for others.
In January this year, a trial scheme was launched with support for rolling cultural monuments.
Only boats and buildings have received such grants in the past.
The interest has been very great, and now the Cultural Heritage Fund has decided to make this a permanent scheme.
This was recently marked in the yard at Haltvik on Ekne.
– That people take care of vehicles is a fantastic gift to Norway.
This is what Kjetil Reinskou, board member of the Cultural Heritage Fund, says.
– This car is a good example that we should support such measures. Movable cultural monuments are also part of our cultural heritage, says Reinskou, who is happy that they can contribute to more people taking care of such objects.
Hairdresser
The workshop is a refuge for Haltvik.
He is partially covered by disability insurance after a major accident at work in 2004.
He was hospitalized for several months and spent a year in a wheelchair, but eventually recovered. He will never be completely good.
In the workshop he forgets the pain.
– I’m in my own bubble when I work in the workshop with the vintage cars. Everything else is gone.
He has three vintage cars in addition to the Freiabilen which are drivable now. Two projects are still partly in boxes.
– It will be fun to get started with this winter.
He also spends a few hours each week making parts for other, preferably vintage cars.
Won motor show award
The freestyle car became a bit of a draw during the Oslo Motor Show last weekend.
– We got good praise, says Haltvik who was surprised by the enormous interest.
The freestyle car was named the best car in hall D, a price Haltvik sets high.
Now they are offers for several exhibitions in Norway and Sweden.
– This was the first trip from home, says Haltvik who transports the Freiabilen in a truck he has rebuilt. The car is in a closed cupboard.
No support from Freia
Freia Chokolade and their famous brand stork glitter on the side of the car.
135 kilos of brass ornaments have been included. The shapes are 3D printed and cast in sand form, sanded, polished and nickel-plated.
All the original is intact, and the car must be cranked just like in 1913.
Gas must be turned on to make the headlights shine, and the headlight headlights are on paraffin. The taillights do the same.
– Have you received any support from Freia?
– No, there has been little help to get from there. Good luck, they said.
But it now seems that he can get some help.
The chocolate giant still has the original signs that were on the car in 1913, and are positive that Haltvik will be able to take them over. The Norwegian Motor Vehicle Inspectorate must approve it first.
Back in the workshop, Haltvik takes a good grip on the crank, and with power he starts the engine.
– I have not heard any engine on an old car that runs as nicely as this!