Bergantin (Argentina) - AllCarIndex

Bergantín was an automobile brand produced by Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) between 1960 and 1962. The company, based in Santa Isabel, Córdoba, Argentina, was led by president James McCloud, who initiated the project to create a European-style car utilizing Jeep mechanical components already manufactured in the country. This initiative was known as Project X-60.

To realize this vision, McCloud secured an agreement with Alfa Romeo to acquire the necessary dies for the Alfa Romeo 1900 saloon, which had recently been discontinued. The resulting vehicle, the Bergantín, bore a resemblance to the Alfa Romeo 1900 and was equipped with a 2480 cc Jeep engine, along with other Jeep components, including the rear axle.

Production of the Bergantín commenced on March 10, 1960, and continued until February 21, 1962. During its brief production run, a total of 4,796 units were manufactured, available in Standard, De Luxe, and Taxi versions. The Bergantín represented a unique blend of European design and American engineering within the Argentine automotive landscape.