HMV Freeway Reunion 2009 Plainfield IL

from 1979-1981, the High Milage Vehicle Co. in MN made the FREEWAY.
This is an example of an American-made Microcar. It can reach speeds of 65mph. This is what a 100 mpg vehicle looked like in 1980.
Centrifugal clutch (no shifting). All fiberglas body on a steel tube frame. 3 wheels, rear wheel drive.
This video was shot in Plainfield IL on Saturday August 8 2009. One car came from Canada and one came from California for this event. 16 examples total attended. At least 3 of them were completely original in untouched, un-restored condition. The one from Canada was acquired with 2 miles on it from a dealer that had kept 4 of them since new.
More photos in the Gallery section of www.Microcar.org
An article with more info will appear in a future issue of MICROCAR NEWS magazine.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• HMV
• Freeway
• microcar
• reunion
• 2009
• Plainfield

[Xarcht]

These actually make 70 MpH? OMG!!!!

[jkt8012]

I bought a new red 16hp 450 in 1980 and drove it for several years putting about 8000 miles on it till I sold it. The guy I sold it to still owns it. The word "Freeway" is misleading. These cars as built are not safe at any speed over 45mph with very squirmy handling with a rubber mounted rear drive subframe. The car can swap lanes at 55-60 mph as the rear wheel follows ripples in the road which is promptly overcorrected with the fast steering leading to a very exiting ride indeed. OK for town .

[mbrnrdn]

I have an orange Freeway II that was built in May of 1982 and is sill getting alot of attention when it gets driven in the community. It's great to see some of those that are in the area. I didn't know about the reuion or I would have been there.If some one knows of another get together please post on this site. Thanks

[SamBlob]

Great to see all these Free-Ways still running, and especially great to see the Free-Way chassis on the move!

I don't think I'll ever own one, but maybe one day I shall build something like it, probably using a scooter as an engine / transmission / rear suspension donor.

I first read about this car in a Dec. '79 Motor Trend magazine that someone gave me in the mid-'80s. I think I've wanted a microcar ever since.

[limoak]

Great video! Thanks Jim for putting the reunion together. I only wish I could have been there!