Aero (automobile)

The Aero was a Czechoslovak automobile company that produced a variety of models between 1929 and 1947 by a well-known aircraft and car-body company owned by Dr. Kabes in Prague-Vysocany. Now Aero Vodochody produces aircraft only.

Type 10
The original Aero model, the Type 500 or Type 10 was a small car launched in 1928. Powered by a 494 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine with water cooling, producing 10 bhp, it could reach a top speed of 70 km/h. Drive was through a 3-speed gearbox to a rear axle without differential. The Type 10 was sold with a choice of body styles; roadster, cabriolet and coupé, all with two seats in the front and one in the rear. Production ran for four years, ending in 1932 with 1,358 built.

Type 18
Announced in 1931, the Type 18 (also known as the 662) was powered by a larger 660 cc two-cylinder engine developing 18 bhp, with a top speed of 90 km/h. With improved four-wheel brakes, the Type 18 came as a 3-seater roadster and 4-seat saloon, made using steel-covered timber-framed coachwork. 2,615 Type 18s were built before manufacturing ceased in 1934.

Type 20
Based on the Type 18/662, the 1933 Type 20 (also known as the 1000) came with a larger 1.0-litre 999 cc 26 bhp engine which would power the car to a top speed of 100 km/h. Production lasted two years and ceased in 1934 after 2,546 were built.

Type 30
In 1934 the Type 30 was announced with a 998 cc 26 bhp twin-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive and all independent suspension. The car could reach 105 km/h. The Type 30 was the most successful Aero model, and production reached 7,780 before manufacturing ended in 1940. Another 500 were produced post-war with a new radiator design but was stopped in 1947 when the company was nationalised.

Type 50
The last, and largest, Aero model was the Type 50 announced in 1936 and manufactured until 1942. The front-wheel-drive model had a 1997 cc four-cylinder 50 bhp two-stroke engine with twin alloy cylinder head and was capable of reaching 130 km/h. 1,205 were made until the company closed.

750 Pony
The 750 Pony is a small two-seater convertible with only 2 models built as prototypes in 1941 and was intended for post war producing, but nationalisation of the company ended the plan. It was powered by a 745 cc engine producing 21 bhp.