Curtis-Wright (United States) - AllCarIndex

Curtis-Wright Corporation, founded in 1929, was primarily known for its contributions to the aerospace industry. Based in Wood Ridge, New Jersey, the company also ventured into ground transportation, particularly during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

In 1958, Curtis-Wright began developing the first American rotary engine for automotive applications after observing an experimental rotary engine during a visit to NSU. They secured a license for American production of the rotary engine and created their first prototype, a single-rotor design with a displacement of 984cc. By 1962, the engine had progressed to a point where it attracted the interest of major automotive manufacturers, including Chrysler and Ford. Chrysler installed the rotary engine in a Dodge Dart, while Ford experimented with it in a Galaxy, but neither company pursued further development.

In 1965, Curtis-Wright introduced a more powerful twin-rotor version of the engine, producing 185 horsepower, which was tested in a new Mustang. However, this iteration also failed to generate significant interest in the automotive market. Ultimately, the rotary engine program was sold to John Deere in 1984, marking the end of Curtis-Wright's foray into automotive engineering.