Aero-Minor (Czechia) - AllCarIndex

Aero-Minor was a Czechoslovak automobile brand that operated from 1946 to 1951, under the umbrella of Letecke zavody, n.p., based in Praha-Letnany. Following World War II, the Czechoslovak automobile industry underwent nationalization, which led to a concentration of production on several models, including the Aero-Minor. Although the Aero-Minor was associated with the Aero brand, it was not a direct product of Aero; instead, the engines were supplied by Aero while the mechanical components were produced by the former Wilts company. The bodies of the vehicles were manufactured either at Škoda Kvasiny or the main Aero plant.

The Aero-Minor was a continuation of the 2-cylinder 615cc JAWA Minor, designed by Rudolf Vykoukal. Prototypes of the Aero-Minor were developed during the war, and the production model featured a 615cc water-cooled engine with an output of 19.5 bhp. Notably, the engine block included cooling ribs, a distinctive feature for its time. The vehicle utilized a typical Czechoslovak forked backbone frame, with independent suspension at both ends supported by transverse springs. The radiator was uniquely positioned behind the engine to enhance compactness, and the car was equipped with hydraulic brakes and a 4-speed gearbox that included an overdrive top gear.

Throughout its production run, a total of 14,187 Aero-Minors were manufactured, with approximately half of these exported to various Western European countries. Significant export markets included Sweden and the Netherlands, each receiving around 2,000 units, along with Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. After production ceased in Czechoslovakia, some Aero-Minors were assembled in Egypt, and there were brief considerations by BSA to produce them in England. A notable variant of the Aero-Minor, featuring a bored-out engine of 744cc and a racing body, achieved success in competitions such as Le Mans and Spa in 1949. The Aero-Minor also gained recognition for its durability, as demonstrated by the famous driver EA. Elstner, who used the production model for extensive travels across the Sahara desert.