Austro / Austro-Cyclecar (Austria) - AllCarIndex

Austro was a short-lived automobile manufacturer based in Neutitschein, Austria, active from 1913 to 1914. Founded by Fritz Huckel, the company specialized in the production of cyclecars, a category of lightweight vehicles designed for economical operation.

The Austro cyclecar was notable for its use of a 5/7 PS V-twin engine sourced from NSU, later replaced by a V-twin engine from Laurin & Klement. The vehicle featured a four-speed gearbox and a final drive system utilizing double chains. Its front suspension was designed in a manner similar to that of the Morgan, employing an independent system based on sliding pillars. In 1914, Huckel expanded the lineup with a larger model that featured a 14 hp four-cylinder engine and shaft drive.

Austro cyclecars gained recognition in competitive events, such as the Semmering hill climb, showcasing their performance capabilities. Following World War I, Huckel, who also had a background in hat-making, produced a limited number of cyclecars under the name GNOM. This occurred after Neutitschein was incorporated into the newly established Czechoslovakia, which had implications for the brand's operations.