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forfun2
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The story behind FORFUN2 Sometime in mid-September, given the opportunity of the new M-Class presentation in the Attart Off-Road Park Multi center, the Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Hellas, Dr Alexander Paufler, found himself among the visitors. His curiosity about the extraordinary object (Big Foot) parked in the parking lot of the center, urged him to seek out and meet Stefanos Attart. Stefanos explained that it was built with the intention of attracting the interest of visitors exhibiting the innovative drive, technical knowledge and know how of the people framing the multi center. That was the time when Stefanos mentioned that one of his dreams regarding the construction of prototypes was the conversion of smart fortwo into BigFoot. Dr Paufler did not just respond to the wish, but also offered a SMART ForFour and all material and technical backing to Stefanos Attart for the construction of a such vehicle. The name of the resulting construction was still unknown, but the passion and embracement of the idea, instant. True to Mr Paufler's word, the SMART ForFour arrived Next day at the center. The little, innocent looking Smart didn't know what was in store for it. When Stefanos first saw it, a smile appeared on his face, for two reasons. First, because one of his ideas was accepted and approved so readily and passionately, and second, the first visions for the final result were already surging through his mind. The vision for the final result had arrived so readily, as did the approval for the construction of the vehicle. The first question that arose was, which mechanical parts were to be used. The question was presented to the executives of Mercedes-Benz Hellas and the answer was: "Do whatever you think will bring forth a spectacular outcome." Stefanos's response to that statement was that the best result would come by using mechanical parts from Mitsubishi (with enough background history). And that's how it happened. The first move was the stripping of ForFour of its "superfluous" parts. The bodywork was measured, checked and placed on the chassis of the small Pajero, when it became evident that the wheel- base was not suitable. The search for a Pajero with a longer wheel- base began, was eventually traced and brought to the center. When the long Pajero arrived, measurements for the final construction began in haste, as the car had to be presented at the International Car Show of Athens which was schedule to commence on the fifth of November and it was already mid October. The bottom line was that the car should be ready for the exhibition not later than noon of November 3rd. The race against time had begun! Everything was done concurrently. Tires, wheel rims, accessories, mechanical parts, suspensions, winches, under body protection, and everything that should be fitted on the car was fitted at the same time. It seemed an impossible task! People of Mercedes-Benz Hellas often visited the construction quarters of the prototype and more than once they had the unpleasant feeling that the project would not meet the deadline. But Stefanos was confident of the outcome. From the moment the bodywork of the ForFour was position on the chassis of the Pajero, he knew with absolute certainty and to the last detail, the way he would proceed with it. Eventually the car was finished within the record time of ten days. Everything was fixed and the car was functioning normally. The 1,500 c. c. engine was replaced by the Mitsubishi V6, 3,000 c. c. capacity. The car was now equipped with an automatic gear box, most suitable for 4x4 racing, as well as rear LSD (Limited Slip Differential), made by Attart 100 per cent. All the while, during the construction, ideas about the first presentation of the car and the ambience of the place at the International Athens Car show, inundated his mind. The car was finally ready and on its way to the establishments of Mercedes-Benz Hellas in Kiffisia for the final painting. The color chosen was color red, the color of passion, apt and befitting Stefano's passion throughout the procedure of its creation. And so, after countless hours of unrelenting hard work and numerous sleepless nights of speculation and plans about its construction and its final form, the delivery of the vehicle was received with looks and words of admiration from the people of the Mercedes-Benz Hellas. That was, undoubtedly, the most priceless reward for Stefanos. Above whatever financial outcome, gratification prevailed! The only words uttered were, "Impressive and Unbelievable!" The car was now undergoing furnace spraying and Stefano's calls to the people of Mercedes were constant and pressing. It was evident that he could not stand to part from his "baby". When eventually the car was ready, it was presented to Dr Paufler and Stefanos. The man, who had given his spontaneous sanctioning for its construction, watched in stupefaction and his words were uttered in frank admiration: "Now we are really confident that we build REAL cars!" Needless to say he congratulated profusely everyone involved in the making of the car and especially Stefanos. Both men were smiling like Cheshire cats. The completion of the car now behind him, Stefanos launched himself on the search for the perfect location for the necessary photographs of his creation. That demanded a location unlike any other, something special and different to everything that was presented up to day. And it was found. It was a deserted furnace establishment in an area of East Attika. That was the first location where ForFun was put to the test. The outcome was impressive, both in photography and performance of the vehicle. ForFun served the purpose it was created for: beautiful in appearance, but predominantly functional. The photos were on display around the stand of the car at the Greek International Car Show and enhanced the ambience. The final name given to it for the car show, was ForFun. It was immediately adopted by Mercedes-Benz Hellas and SMART Gmbh and was included in the promotion campaign for SMART cars in Greece. It was noticed and photographed by thousands of visitors to the car show. Owners of SMART products felt proud for the maker of cars they loved and trusted, having been given the proof that it was still an innovative firm. Eventually, the result of the project was loved and appreciated a lot more than was expected. It represented an idea rather, than a car suitable for the road. A challenge, that became a reality and was 100 per cent a success. The public announcement of Dr Paufler at the press conference for the introduction of ForFun, was conclusive. ForFun, the most impressive SMART ForTwo in the history of the firm, would, as from now, start being produced. Basic requisites would be the UNIMOG shassis -which is already at Stefano's disposal at the Multi center - and the brand new, red SMART ForTwo. Dare think what the resulting product will be? Just the formidable height of over three meters is enough to make your mind boggle! And, it's coming soon! ! |
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