| Aero | |
|---|---|
 Aero logo of Harald H Linz | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1929–1947 |
| Assembly | Czechoslovak Republic |
The Aero was a Czechoslovak automobile company that produced a variety of models between 1929 and 1947 by a well-known aircraft and car-body company owned by Dr. Kabes in Prague-Vysocany. Now Aero Vodochody produces aircraft only.
The original Aero model, the Type 500 or Type 10 was a small cyclecar launched in 1928. Powered by a 494 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine with water cooling, producing 10 bhp (7 kW; 10 PS), it could reach a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph). Drive was to the rear axle through a 3-speed gearbox to a back axle without differential. The Type 10 was sold with a choice of body styles; roadster, cabriolet and coupé, all with two seats in the front and one in the rear. Production ran for four years, ending in 1932 with 1,358 built. [1]
Announced in 1931, the Type 18 (also known as the 662) [2] was powered by a larger 660 cc two-cylinder engine developing 18 bhp (13 kW; 18 PS), with a top speed of 90 km/h (55.9 mph). With improved four-wheel brakes, the Type 18 came as a 3-seater roadster and 4-seat saloon, [1] made using steel-covered timber-framed coachwork. 2,615 Type 18s were built before manufacturing ceased in 1934.
Based on the Type 18/662, the 1933 Type 20 (also known as the 1000) [1] came with a larger 1.0-litre 999 cc 26 bhp (19 kW; 26 PS) engine which would power the car to a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). Production lasted two years and ceased in 1934 after 2,546 were built.
In 1934 the Type 30 was announced with a 998 cc 26 bhp (19 kW; 26 PS) twin-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive [3] and all independent suspension. The car could reach 105 km/h (65 mph). The Type 30 was the most successful Aero model, and production reached 7,780 before manufacturing ended in 1940. Another 500 were produced post-war with a new radiator design but was stopped in 1947 when the company was nationalised. [4]
The last, and largest, Aero model was the Type 50 announced in 1936 and manufactured until 1942. The front-wheel-drive model had a 1997 cc four-cylinder 50 bhp (37 kW; 51 PS) two-stroke engine with twin alloy cylinder head and was capable of reaching 130 km/h (81 mph). [1] 1,205 were made until the company closed. [5]
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