Geplante Vollrestauration eines Aero 30 Cabriolets
This Aero 30 Cabriolet was delivered to our workshops at the end of 2024. Originally, work was scheduled to begin in 2025. However, with a pre-war vehicle of this age, several key points need to be clarified beforehand: missing components, the exact condition of the sheet metal and woodwork, the mechanical condition, the interior fittings, the convertible top components, and the subsequent sequence of work.
To this day, the Aero remains in our workshops because the owner has not yet been able to release the budget for the start of construction. The project is on hold until the financing for the initial work phases is secured. An uncertain start is particularly risky with an Aero 30 Cabriolet. The bodywork, wood components, mechanical components, and parts inventory must be thoroughly assessed before the complete restoration begins.
Aero 30: inspect first, then disassemble
This project isn't yet focused on the bodywork itself, but rather on the preparation. An Aero 30 Cabriolet isn't a vehicle where you can simply order missing parts at short notice. Before starting, it must be clear which add-on parts are available, which components can be refurbished, and which parts need to be newly manufactured or sourced.
In our workshops, we therefore first check for completeness, bodywork condition, wooden parts, doors, hoods, fenders, interior, convertible top frame, and mechanical assemblies. Only then can we decide whether the first step should be bodywork, coachbuilding, mechanical work, or parts procurement.
Sheet metal, wood and convertible bodywork in pre-war cars
The Aero 30's specific bodywork must be inspected on the vehicle itself. Pre-war cars can vary considerably in terms of wood, sheet metal, handcrafted body parts, and previous repairs. Therefore, it would be incorrect to assess the construction solely based on general model specifications.
Key areas include door connections, sills, fender edges, firewalls, floor areas, convertible top connections, and the transitions between the load-bearing structure and the outer skin. If wood is weakened, warped, or damaged by moisture, the sheet metal skin cannot be permanently aligned correctly. Conversely, new or straightened sheet metal must fit the existing structure.
Front-wheel drive, two-stroke engine and mechanical brakes
The Aero 30 was technically unusual for its time. Front-wheel drive, a water-cooled two-cylinder two-stroke engine, a three-speed gearbox, independent suspension, and mechanical brakes clearly distinguished it from many simpler pre-war vehicles. For restoration, this means that the technology cannot be treated like that of a later production classic car.
The engine, gearbox, drive shafts, brakes, steering, suspension, fuel supply, and cooling system must be inspected according to the findings. A technical restoration only makes sense once it's clear which parts are present, usable, or replaceable. With an Aero 30, documentation is often just as important as the individual spare part.
Why the budget needs to be clarified before the start
A complete restoration of a pre-war car cannot properly begin if the initial work is not financially secured. Bodywork, woodwork, painting, engine overhaul, interior fitting, and convertible top construction are all closely intertwined in a convertible. A restoration project that is started but interrupted often leads to additional work later on.
Therefore, this project will remain on hold for the time being. The Aero will not be unnecessarily disassembled until the further course of action is determined. This protects the owner from uncontrolled costs and the vehicle from a situation where parts, work steps, and responsibilities diverge.
What is important before an Aero 30 restoration
An Aero 30, Aero 50, Tatra, Praga, or other pre-war vehicle requires a thorough analysis before restoration can begin. Crucial factors include completeness, bodywork condition, wood components, convertible top parts, engine, gearbox, brakes, chassis, and available documentation.
If you're planning to restore an Aero or another pre-war car, photos of the body, undercarriage, woodwork, doors, hood, fenders, engine compartment, interior, convertible top frame, and any available parts will be helpful. In our workshops in the Czech Republic, we'll assess whether bodywork, coachbuilding, mechanical restoration, painting, upholstery, or a complete classic car restoration is worthwhile.
