Hallman recalls…
“The Husqvarna brand name, synonymous along with other famous Swedish brand names like Nobel, Volvo and Electrolux, and with a history of producing high quality products for more than 300 years, has managed to pass the first 100 years as a motorcycle brand. But, during the beginning of the 1960s, it was awfully close that the production of bikes stopped!
“The production of the lightweight “Silverpilen” – Silver Arrow – motorcycle was coming to an end as demand was getting weaker. Top management had decided that no more money was to be spent on developing the motorcycle line, even if a limited number of 250 motocross bikes were produced along with the Silver Arrow. As I was one of a few riders receiving help from the factory during the 1961 season, riding the 250 Championships, I was told that this was the end – no more investments in motorcycles – ‘you can start looking for a ride elsewhere for 1962’.
“Personally, I was not worried. I was young and optimistic and had won my first Grand Prix during the 1961 season and the future looked promising. After a test ride for Greeves in November, I received a phone call from Ruben Helmin, the chief engineer at Husqvarna, saying ‘We have managed to “save” some money from the chainsaw division, which is to be used for further development of the 250 model. We will also further enhance our efforts and make a new and competitive four-speed engine. Some money will also be spent on a 4-stroke 500cc project – with technician Nils Hedlund involved and contracting Rolf Tibblin as a rider. Would you be interested to ride the new 250cc Husky?’