ARO M Series Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Romanian automaker ARO started its journey by assembling licensed GAZ69 soviet 4x4 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 4x4 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 ARO made the car only as a convertible, with a canvas roof that could've been retracted behind the rear seats.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.

After the Soviet automaker GAZ improved the model 67 and transformed it into the model 69, the Romanian car manufacturer ARO switched production and built the vehicle under the IMS-59 name.

The ARO brand was yet to be invented. In 1959, it still had the IMS badge on it, and its production was closely related to soviet products. But the Romanian engineers were keen to learn and adapt. That's how, later on, they managed to create the off-road ARO brand.

Sporting a similar shape to the previous M57, the M59 looked slightly different than its predecessor. It still featured a narrow grille with vertical slats, but it was not flat anymore. It was slightly curved on the sides, following the V-shape of the engine compartment. In addition, the front fenders hosted larger headlights. In addition, the M59 was available as a two-door, four-door, and pickup model. Moreover, the Romanian automaker figured out how to create a closed cabin for it. That was a very important improvement, especially in bad weather. Also, the car was fitted with electric windshield wipers instead of manual ones, like the M57.

It's hard to talk about any comfort inside the cabin of an M59. It still featured rugged seats built on metallic frames and with some springs and fabric. The metallic dashboard sported a speedometer flanked by two other panels where the automaker installed additional gauges for fuel level, water temperature, oil pressure, and an ammeter. Between the two front seats, the automaker installed the transmission levers on the floor.

Under the hood, the M59 featured the same 55 PS (54 hp) inline-four engine carried over from the M57, but it was connected to a four-speed manual. In addition, a transfer case with low-range gear improved the car's off-road abilities. As expected, the suspension was also carried over from its predecessor and featured live axles both front and rear.