1963 ARO M-461 2.5

Vehicle Overview

The Romanian automaker ARO started its journey by assembling licensed GAZ69 soviet 4×4 vehicles, but in 1963 introduced its own product, the M-461.

Based on the knowledge accumulated during the production of the GAZ69, also known as the IMS 57, and the study of other 4×4 vehicles, the Romanian engineers developed a new car from the ground up. But, unfortunately, they needed more inspiration on naming the vehicle, hence the M-461. This unusual nameplate meant that the car was built on a ladder chassis developed in Muscel (the factory’s location), 4 because it was the fourth prototype that actually worked, and 61 from the year the project started.

At first sight, the car’s shape was similar to the previous IMS 57, even though all panels were new. Still, it featured a similar front fascia with vertical slats for the grille flanked by lower, louvered wheel arches, which sported small round headlights on their inner side. From its profile, the flat body panels and the rugged look resembled army vehicles from WWII. ARO made the car only as a convertible, with a canvas roof that could’ve been retracted behind the rear seats.

The cabin was also rudimentary, even for 1963, featuring a big, three-spoke steering wheel and fabric seats. At the back, depending on the version, it featured either side, inward-facing benches or one forward-facing.

Under the hood, ARO placed an in-house developed gasoline engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. Power went to the rear or all four corners via a two-speed transfer case. The M-461 was so successful that the automaker had to expand its production facilities.