Turned to car manufacture
after successfully manufacturing aero engines
(from which the emblem is derived), and then
motorcycles. Took over the Dixi concern, who
were manufacturing Austin Sevens under licence,
slowly expanding its range, the majority featuring
a glorious 6 cylinder engine. Concentrated on
motorcycle construction during the war, then
from the ruins choose to manufacture exclusive
and expensive limousines. Able to fund the development
of sports cars by building, under license, the
hugely successful Iso Isetta bubble car.
After
many close calls, things did not look good for
the marque in the late 1950's, the make or break
model was the 1961 1500 saloon. The formula
used was to build a sublime chassis more befitting
a true sports car, equip it with an eager but
economical engine and have it power through
the rear wheels - this same formula is used
today.
