1963 Cavano (Netherlands)

The Cavano cars, created by Dutchman Fred van Norden in the 1960s, are a fascinating chapter in the history of experimental sports car design. Fred van Norden built his first prototype, the Cavano 1, in 1963 near Zeist, using the chassis of a 1954 VW Beetle that had already covered over 125,000 kilometers. This Beetle, a gift from his father, formed the basis of what would become an ambitious project in custom car design. The body of the Cavano 1 was crafted from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), making it a lightweight vehicle. Its design took inspiration from iconic sports cars of the era, notably resembling the Colani GT at the front, with hints of the Ford GT40.

However, Van Norden made some unconventional choices in the design. The Cavano 1 lacked a traditional trunk; instead, the petrol tank was located at the front, with the fuel filler neck positioned externally, similar to rally cars like the Puma. This innovative setup saved weight and space but left the car without any storage area. The engine, accessible through a small cover at the rear, presented challenges for maintenance due to its cramped dimensions. Many of the parts used for the car were sourced from other vehicles; the headlights were likely from the VW Beetle, while the taillights were borrowed from the Opel GT or Manta A. The rear of the car featured a distinctive diamond-shaped element, which could be removed for easier engine access. While the Cavano 1 was minimalist in its features, Van Norden did include a simple folding sunroof, adding a touch of comfort. Despite the innovative design and clear potential, the Cavano 1 remained a concept and never entered mass production. Today, the wedge-shaped prototype still exists as a rare artifact of van Norden's vision.

Following the completion of the Cavano 1, Fred van Norden embarked on building a second prototype, known as the Cavano Mk 2. This model took its design cues from the sleek lines of the Porsche 904, signaling a more refined approach to sports car aesthetics. The Mk 2 was powered by a 1.6-liter VW boxer engine, sourced from a Karmann Ghia, and fitted with two carburetors. This setup provided the car with more power and performance, marking a significant step forward from the first Cavano. Although the Cavano Mk 2, like its predecessor, never entered series production, it remains within the van Norden family as a cherished example of the inventor's creativity and passion for car design.

Both the Cavano 1 and Mk 2 reflect Fred van Norden's ability to combine ingenuity with accessible resources. Built on the foundation of a humble VW Beetle, these cars stand out for their unique blend of influences, from rally and sports cars to minimalist design principles. Although they were never mass-produced, the Cavano cars remain a testament to one man's ambition to create something entirely original.