Mikrus MR-300

Mikrus MR-300

Class	A
Manufacturer	WSK Mielec
Also called	Mikrus MR-300
Production	1957-1960
Assembly	Mielec
Body style	2 door limousine (2+2 seats).
Engine	R2 296 cc 10,7 kW (14,5 hp)
Transmission	4
Length	3,025 mm (119.1 in)
Width	1,315 mm (51.8 in)
Height	1,350 mm (53.1 in)
Curb weight	472 kg (1,041 lb)
Related	BMW Isetta Vespa 400 Zündapp Janus

Mikrus MR-300

The Mikrus MR-300 was a Polish microcar produced between 1957 - 1960 with a body built by WSK Mielec and engines by WSK Rzeszów. Only 1,728 units were built.

Model history

Mikrus was sketched as a cheap car for the masses. The idea to design this construction, one of the sparse Polish automobile constructions, arose coincidentally. In the end of 1956 the authorities decided to make use of the production capacity generated by the aerospace manufacturers WSK Mielec and WSK Rzeszów. Both plants were producing only planes and motorcycles. The new plan assumed adding automobile manufacture. During the initial period WSK Rzeszów prepared engine documentation, while WSK Mielec focused on the chassis and bodywork. The project was presented in the beginning of 1957, during the National Automotive Meeting. The first prototypes were presented on July 22, 1957 in Warsaw. The new car was named Mikrus MR 300 (initials of the words Mielec and Rzeszów). In the end of the year first cars left the assembly plant. Additionally, two convertible models were presented.

Taking into consideration the price, which should not exceed the price of a similar cubic capacity motorcycle by more than 25 - 30% we may assume that it will constitute a very popular means of transportation for a wide spectrum of users - the then press reported. Mikrus turned out to be very popular. However, high cost of manufacture prevented the idea from spawning a mass, individual motorization. Simultaneously, high price of the vehicle was impeding. Mikrus cost 50 thousand Polish Złoty, the average of 50 salaries. Much bigger Warszawa cost 120 thousand Polish Złoty.

Mikrus pick-up

In 1960 when the manufacture of Mikrus was terminated the WSK Milece construction office prepared within 10 days a prototype of a pick-up version. It was a response to the directive of the Government which ordered the manufacturers to produce a compact panel truck. The demand of the Polish market was estimated at the level of 100 thousand units. The vehicle could transport a load not exceeding 200 kg (441 lb). The same arrangement of wheels and suspension as in the original was used. The loading part could be covered with a canvas cloak. This project similarly as the convertible one was not implemented into production.

Technical details

• Engine:
  • MI-10A two-stroke, 2 cylinder, 296cc (18 cu.in) inline engine, carburator fed , 14.5HP.
• Fuel:
  • 2-stroke mix (96 percent gasoline, 4 percent mineral oil).
• Body:
  • 2 door limousine (2+2 seats).
  • Monocoque
• Dimension:
  • Length – 3,025 mm (119.1 in)
  • Width – 1,315 mm (51.8 in)
  • Height – 1,350 mm (53.1 in)
  • Wheelbase – 1,025 mm (40.4 in)
  • Trunk capacity - 200 dm3
  • Gas tank – 27,5 dm3
  • Size of tires – 4,40 * 10
• Mass: 472 kg (1,041 lb)
• Load capacity: 228 kg (503 lb)
• Performance:
  • Maximum speed – 90 km/h (56mph)
  • Turning back diameter – 8 m (310 in)
  • Fuel economy: 4l/100 km (59mpg)

External links

• Website about the car (in Polish)
• Short movie from the Mikrus owners rally in 2007 - 50th anniversary (in Polish, low quality)