SR Lerg Webenst
| SR Lerg Webenst | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Schroeter Romeo |
| Production | 1970–1975 |
| Assembly | Vriendendam, Netherlands |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | C-segment |
| Body style | 2-door coupé |
| Layout | Rear-wheel drive |
| Chassis | Ladder-frame chassis |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 5.5 L SR Morg five-cylinder |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Chronology | |
| Era | Vriend Era |
SR Lerg Webenst, commonly called the Lerg Webenst, was a Dutch luxury passenger car manufactured by Schroeter Romeo from 1970 to 1975. It was the company's first C-segment luxury car and was developed for members of the Schroeter family who needed a vehicle for travelling between their businesses. Approximately 25,000 examples were produced.
History
[edit | edit source]During the early 1950s, senior members of the Schroeter family began requesting a luxury car with a long driving range. They needed a vehicle for visiting Schroeter-owned businesses and contractors working on infrastructure projects. The Baserg Krafenst, introduced in 1955, was unsuitable for these journeys, so family members continued purchasing cars from other manufacturers.
The demand eventually caused disagreements within the family. On 25 October 1967, Schroeter Romeo declared code beige for the first time. Under this family emergency procedure, work throughout the company was suspended so the disagreement could be discussed. A plan for a new luxury passenger car was presented on 5 November 1967, after which the unrest among the Schroeters began to subside.[1]
During September 1968, residents of Vriendendam reported seeing what they believed was a prototype being driven at night near the Schroeter Romeo factory. On 24 September, a loud explosion occurred near the factory. The suspected prototype was not seen again.
The first Lerg Webenst left the factory on 5 January 1970. Schroeter Romeo manufactured approximately 25,000 cars before production ended in 1975. Vehicles were assembled in batches of 500, with an average of ten batches sold each year.[1]
Sales
[edit | edit source]Schroeter Romeo sold the Lerg Webenst through its office in Vriendendam. New production batches were announced on advertising pillars in the town centre, prompting buyers to gather at the company's premises. The cars were priced between 7,500 and 12,500 Dutch guilders.
During the sale of the seventh batch in 1970, two members of the Schroeter family were caught in a crowd crush at the sales office. The municipality of Vriendendam subsequently prohibited Schroeter Romeo from advertising new batches on the pillars. The company was also required to limit the number of customers admitted to its office.[1]
Design and performance
[edit | edit source]The Lerg Webenst was a two-door coupé built on a ladder-frame chassis. It used rear-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission. Power came from the SR Morg, also known as the Motormerg, a 5.5-litre five-cylinder engine developed by Schroeter Romeo.[2]
The SR Morg produced considerable torque, giving the Lerg Webenst strong acceleration. Although the car was considered capable of a high top speed, no Schroeter driver was recorded as having reached its practical maximum. Accounts of the car's acceleration used the expression "er een merg onder je vandaan schiet", referring to the sensation experienced when the accelerator was pressed.
The name Lerg Webenst comes from Luxemerg Werkbezoekdienst.