Aero [2] (Czechia) - AllCarIndex

Aero, officially known as Továrna letadel Dr. Kabes, was a Czechoslovakian manufacturer founded in 1929, primarily known for its production of aircraft and later automobiles. The company was established in Prague-Vysočany by Dr. Kabes, who initially focused on airplane manufacturing and repairs. During periods of low demand for aircraft, Aero diversified its production to include motorcycle sidecars and car bodies, the latter being built under license starting in 1925.

The first true automobile produced by Aero was the Aero 10 HP, which debuted in May 1929. This model featured a simple unitary construction and was powered by a 49cc single-cylinder, water-cooled two-stroke engine, delivering 10 horsepower. The Aero 10 HP was notable for its lack of front-wheel brakes and a starter motor, relying instead on a rope device for ignition. The car was available in three body styles: an open roadster, a faux-cabriolet, and a hard-top coupe, all designed to accommodate two passengers plus one additional seat. Approximately 1,500 units of the Aero 10 HP were manufactured.

By 1932, Aero had evolved its offerings with the introduction of a more advanced model featuring an 18 horsepower, 662cc twin-cylinder engine and four-wheel brakes. The production that year reached 1,317 units, with the two-door roadster being the most popular variant. The Aero 1000, produced from 1932 to 1934, was another significant model, equipped with a 999cc engine generating 26 horsepower. Aero cars gained recognition for their sporting capabilities, with notable achievements in various races, including the Monte Carlo Rally.

The Aero A30, launched in 1934, marked a significant advancement in the company's automotive design. This model featured front-wheel drive, an all-independent suspension system, and a longitudinally mounted 999cc twin-cylinder engine that produced 28 horsepower. The A30 was capable of reaching speeds of 105 km/h (65 mph) and saw production numbers of 920, 820, and 1,277 units in 1934, 1935, and 1937, respectively. After World War II, the A30 was briefly revived, with around 500 redesigned units produced in 1946 and 1947.

The Aero A50, introduced later, was powered by a 1,997cc four-cylinder engine producing 48 horsepower. Despite its advanced features, the A50 faced challenges in terms of handling and smoothness compared to its predecessors. In the late 1930s, Aero's annual sales averaged around 1,000 cars, with exports to various countries, including the Baltic States and Hungary. However, the nationalization of the automobile industry in Czechoslovakia post-war halted the development of new models, including the planned Ponny and Rekord, which were designed but never went into production.