The 6-wheeled Polonez from 45 years ago

Equipping a standard passenger car with a third axle is an obsession that has been occupying the minds of designers for decades. There are countless such transformations, which in some cases were made for a specific practical purpose, as well as for participation in marathon rallies, as well as for the needs of various rescue services, or simply for pleasure. In all cases, however, the main purpose of the additional rear axle is related to increasing the load capacity without deteriorating stability. There are many successful examples of such modifications in history, based on the Mercedes G4, Citroën DS, Range Rover and many other famous brands. Unfortunately, the Polish contribution in this direction is more of an example of failure piese auto online.

The 6-wheeled Polonez from 45 years ago

The development of the three-axle Polonez began 45 years ago as a joint project of the FSO factory and the Nevyadov caravan company. The three-axle pickup truck was completed in 1981, when the first tests were carried out. Thanks to the two rear axles, its cargo platform is quite long and, in theory, should have a large load capacity of about 900 kg, which, however, is the end of the main advantages of the prototype. Despite its attractive appearance, which is quite decent from a design point of view, the car cannot boast of very good functionality. The central axle is driven, while the additional rear axle is not only devoid of drive, but also of brakes. Due to the doubled springs, the suspension becomes too stiff, especially when the cargo platform is empty. What the car is notorious for is that when driving on uneven terrain, it often hangs on its middle axle. In many cases, the crankcase hits the road surface, and ineffective braking (especially when the car is loaded) becomes a nightmare for the test team.

Interestingly, instead of being sent for scrap and completely forgotten, the three-axle Polonez managed to survive to this day, which in itself is a very good achievement. Unsuccessful experiments have generally been made over the years by many other automobile companies, even the most elite ones. However, at FSO, the priorities for preserving cultural heritage are clearly subject to other criteria. While there, unique prototypes from the late 1950s, such as the Italian-designed Warszawa Ghia and Syrena Sport, were scrapped without hesitation, the six-axle Polonez (which any handy craftsman can build at home) has been preserved as an example of FSO's large-scale and successful development activities during the socialist era.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

The development of the three-axle Polonez began 45 years ago as a joint project of the FSO factory and the Nevyadov caravan company

Interestingly, instead of being sent for scrap and completely forgotten, the three-axle Polonez managed to survive to this day, which in itself is a very good achievement