Thorvald Veire founded Maskinhuset A/S in Stavanger around 1919-1920 as a manufacturer of sewing machines. After the Second World War the firm had some 230-240 employees and was the main importer of Puch motorcycles, mopeds and scooters for many years. They also imported Francis-Barnett and Velocette from Great Britain and Durkopp from Germany.
Maskinhuset assembled mopeds and motorcycles under the name Svithun which were sourced from Øglænd.
Before 1939, the motorcycles were sold as Svithun no. 6, 8, 9 etc. In 1938, a competition was held among the factory staff to name the models and as a result Svithun no. 6 became Polo, Svithun no. 8 became Vingo, Svithun no. 9 luxus became Takto and Durkopp became Mimax.
Models:
The Svithun Mimax appeared in 1939 with a 2-speed 98cc Sachs. This was a Durkopp model with tyres of 25x2.50, a claimed top speed was stated at 60 km/h, and was painted dark red.
The Svithun Polo (formerly Svithun no. 6.) had a a 2-speed 98cc Sachs engine, 26x2 tyres, a 7.5 litre tank, and pedals.
The Vingo (formerly Svithun no. 8) was fitted with a 98cc Sachs with kickstarter, an 11 litre tank and 26x2 tyres.
The Takto (formerly Svithun no.9) was the same as the Vingo other than the tyres, which were 26 x 2.50.
Production of mopeds continued into the 1980s.
Source: Norskproduserte Motorsykler
