Aurora [3] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Aurora was a short-lived automobile brand that operated from 1957 to 1958, established by Custom Automobile Corp in Branford, Connecticut. The brand was notable for its unique origins, as it was founded by Father Alfred Juliano, a Roman Catholic priest. Juliano aimed to create a safety-oriented vehicle, resulting in the development of a distinctive four-door sedan characterized by its sculptured wings that gave the illusion of the car moving in reverse.

The Aurora featured several advanced safety features for its time, including seatbelts, a telescopic steering column, and foam-filled bumpers mounted on shock rams. The prototype was powered by a 1954 Buick Roadmaster V8 engine, but potential buyers could also choose from Cadillac, Chrysler, or Lincoln V8 engines. The complete vehicle was priced at $15,000, a significant amount considering that a standard V8 from these manufacturers cost around $5,000 during that period.

Despite its innovative design and features, the Aurora faced financial difficulties and allegations of misappropriation of funds, which ultimately led to Father Juliano leaving the Order of Holy Ghost Fathers. The sole surviving example of the Aurora is currently located in Poole, Dorset, England.