Mitchell Kohrmann wanted to cross the country in the slowest possible car. The 1992 Geo Metro convertible he chose is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine. From the factory, this LSi model produces 55 horsepower, but dyno testing showed the wheels were only making 43 hp. Kohrmann calculated that at the high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains, the engine would deliver even less power, roughly 26 hp.
The “Everyman’s” Cannonball
He set out to complete an “everyman’s Cannonball” without the resources of wealthy record breakers. Instead of a modified car with extra fuel tanks or police spotters, this journey involved just one person and a simple, easy-to-fix vehicle.
This small vehicle is legendary for its frugality. A rebadged Suzuki Cultus, the Metro was underpowered for its size but delivered up to 50 mpg based on period testing standards. It was also one of the cheapest new cars available at the time, selling for just under $10,000 when new. First-generation models were sold from 1989 through 1994.
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From Manhattan to the Pacific
Kohrmann followed the traditional route, starting at the Red Ball Garage in Manhattan and driving to the Portofino Inn, just feet from the Pacific Ocean. He covered 2,838 miles in 49 hours, 11 minutes, and 18 seconds. The journey took a significant amount of time due to the low power output, but it was completed without the high speeds or risky tactics often associated with these types of record runs.
A follow-up version arrived for 1995 and lasted until 2001, adopting Chevrolet branding in 1998 as General Motors wound down Geo, which existed only to sell rebadged Japanese cars.
