Peter Alden
was the proud owner of the second car
in Norway. In the ‘Stavanger Avis’, Stavanger’s newspaper,
the following could be read: “One can now happen to see a motor
vehicle in Stavanger. Factory owner Peter Alden has ordered one that
is on its way from Germany.It runs on Benzene, and can be managed and
steered easier than any horse team. It can move quickly or slowly depending
on what you desire, uphill or downhill, yield and turn.The wagon Mr.
Alden has bought is a very light wagon. It has room for 3 people, and
can be driven at varying speeds. It is tested by himself and his brother.”
The motor vehicle arrived from the Benz factory in Stavanger on the
21st of October and demonstrated the day after. “This afternoon
the wagon was taken on its first trip. It was excellent. We drove several
times up and down Jernbaneveien, taking the turns with no effort whatsoever.
It felt a bit heavy going up the Hill towards Ladegardsveien, but it
made it easily passed the theatre. With a little practice it should
be easier to turn around than any horse.”
On November the 18th Peter Alden traveled to the capitol Christiana
(now Oslo) for another demonstration for the crown prince.
In the newspaper ‘Morgenbladet’ reported: “The wagon
achieved a frightening speed. One is tempted to believe there is witchcraft
involved in steering and speed regulation, but it all proved to be quite
simple.” The Stavanger writer, Theodor Dahl, also writes about
‘The Red Car’ in his book ‘The Town and its People’.
The red wonder stayed in Stavanger for a couple of years, but then the
engine was taken out and fitted in a boat. The body was sold to a farmer.