Potton History Society

Otto von Smekal converted the ballroom of the Victorian Manor house into a science laboratory during the Second World War in an attempt to convert coal into oil.

His assistant. Eva Pokorova, was a 1930's racing driver. In the 1950's the couple worked on a plan to manufacture a small family car based on a German 'Champion' design.

Plans were submitted for a car factory in the Manor grounds which never came about. Eva lived the life of a recluse after the death of Otto in 1966 until her own death in 1977.

The 'Potton Car' was aquired by the National Motor Museum in 1977. It is now owned by Potton History Society and has been restored so that it can run under its own power.