15 copies of ARO 243, which belonged to the Romanian Army, were put up for sale on a specialized website. Very little used, the cars are sold with prices between 4500 euros and 6500 euros.
“I am selling 15 new AROs without a gram of rust with km between 1000-3000, Câmpulung and Brașov engines manufactured between 85-92. The price starts from €4500 – €6500 each. They were constantly in a draw without rain, sun, etc. For registration, an invoice from the army, fiscal, de-registration from the army, sale-purchase contract is issued. They are sold by the piece,” the announcement on the website states aro4x4.ro.
The ARO 24 myth: it would have been the inspiration for the famous Mercedes G-Klasse
The Aro 24 series made its official debut in 1972, drawing inspiration from the FIAT Campanola, which in turn was influenced by the Jeep Willys. Evidence suggests that prototypes of this model may have appeared as early as 1969.
The inaugural model of the series was the 240, which boasted a 2-door convertible design with canvas roof, independent front suspension, 4-speed gearbox, transfer case, all-wheel drive and a new 2500cc engine which generated 75 hp (although early models used the IMS 461 engine). The introduction of independent suspension marked a pioneering feature in off-road vehicles of that era. Although exports began after 1973, export-designated models housed different engines to meet pollution standards.
In 1975, the range expanded with the introduction of the 241, a 4-door convertible, and the 243, a fully enclosed rear body model similar to the 240 but offering optional windows and accommodating a total of 8 seats or partitions next to the cargo space. 1976-1977 saw the launch of the 244, a 5-door variant, and the 320, a pick-up, both manufactured by Rocar. In addition, 1975 saw the debut of the 242 model, a pickup derived from the 240/243 models.
A significant facelift took place in 1984, featuring a new plastic front fascia with 2 round headlights (especially on the 243 models), 4 round headlights (especially on the 244) or 2 rectangular headlights similar to those of the Dacia 1300 (241 , 242, but also 243, 244). The 320 series underwent the same restyling. Initially, the first series 24 Aro boasted rectangular headlights similar to those on the Dacia 1300 and Bucegi truck-like taillights. However, by 1976, they had adopted the headlights from the Bucegi truck and introduced a new design of brake lights. In 1984, a revised dashboard debuted, accompanied by new instruments, just like that of the Dacia 1310.
A notable advance came in 1978, with the introduction of the first Brașov D127 diesel engines, with a capacity of 3100 cc and 68 hp, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 110 km/h. Further improvements in 1985 included the introduction of a 5-speed gearbox and optional disc brakes for the front wheels, an effort that had been underway since 1978. The D27 Câmpulung diesel, introduced in 1985, had a capacity of 2.6 liters, 69 hp, indirect injection, but faced difficulties with winter starting, which led to less popularity.
In 1990, explorations began to introduce new engines. A restyling in 1994 brought slight changes such as a slightly elongated front fascia, Oltcit-inspired taillights and the incorporation of engines from renowned manufacturers such as Perkins, Cosworth Ford, VM Motori, Renault, Peugeot-Indenor, Toyota and Andoria, alongside Romanian engines.
The Aro 24 was appreciated for export to socialist and capitalist nations, participating in events such as the Dakar Rally in Paris and finding markets in Africa, India, the USA and South America. Manufacturing under the names Hisparo in Spain and Portaro in Portugal expanded its reach. In Germany, its success was probably underpinned by the prohibitively priced and initially unavailable Mercedes G Klasse, which some speculate was inspired by the Aro, given that it appeared in 1979, seven years after its debut Aro.
Mercedes G Class 1979
2023-12-01 16:31:31
#car #allegedly #inspired #Mercedes #Klasse #copies #ARO #belonged #Army #put #sale #PHOTO #News #sources
