Aurora (1957 automobile) - Revision history

Red marquis at 05:48, 27 December 2007

2007-12-27T05:48:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:48, 27 December 2007
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	:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''		:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''

	The '''Aurora''' was an American [[automobile]] manufactured by Father Alfred A. Juliano, a Catholic priest, from 1957 to 1958. The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV acronym. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of Branford, Connecticut, partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.<ref name="nyt">"[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/automobiles/collectibles/23UGLY.html How Ugly? Put a Bag on That Car]", Jerry Garrett, New York Times, December 23, 2007</ref>		The '''Aurora''' was an American [[automobile]] manufactured by Father Alfred A. Juliano, a Catholic priest, from 1957 to 1958. The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV acronym. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the [[Aurora Motor Company]] of Branford, Connecticut, partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.<ref name="nyt">"[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/automobiles/collectibles/23UGLY.html How Ugly? Put a Bag on That Car]", Jerry Garrett, New York Times, December 23, 2007</ref>

	Juliano had studied art before entering the priestood, and expressed a lifelong interest in automotive design. His family said that he had won a coveted scholarship from [[General Motors]] to study with [[Harley Earl]], which arrived only after he had already been ordained. He maintained his interest in automotive design, however, which he combined with a belief that there was much which could be done to make current automobiles safer. <ref name="nyt"/>		Juliano had studied art before entering the priestood, and expressed a lifelong interest in automotive design. His family said that he had won a coveted scholarship from [[General Motors]] to study with [[Harley Earl]], which arrived only after he had already been ordained. He maintained his interest in automotive design, however, which he combined with a belief that there was much which could be done to make current automobiles safer. <ref name="nyt"/>

Red marquis at 05:39, 27 December 2007

2007-12-27T05:39:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:39, 27 December 2007
Line 2:		Line 2:
	:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''		:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''

	The '''Aurora''' was an ~~[[United States\|~~American]] [[automobile]] manufactured by Father Alfred A. Juliano, a Catholic priest, from 1957 to 1958. The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV acronym. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac ~~(automobile)~~\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln ~~(automobile)~~\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of Branford, Connecticut, partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.<ref name="nyt">"[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/automobiles/collectibles/23UGLY.html How Ugly? Put a Bag on That Car]", Jerry Garrett, [[New York Times]], December 23, 2007</ref>		The '''Aurora''' was an American [[automobile]] manufactured by Father Alfred A. Juliano, a Catholic priest, from 1957 to 1958. The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV acronym. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of Branford, Connecticut, partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.<ref name="nyt">"[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/automobiles/collectibles/23UGLY.html How Ugly? Put a Bag on That Car]", Jerry Garrett, New York Times, December 23, 2007</ref>

	Juliano had studied art before entering the priestood, and expressed a lifelong interest in automotive design. His family said that he had won a coveted scholarship from [[General Motors]] to study with [[Harley Earl]], which arrived only after he had already been ordained. He maintained his interest in automotive design, however, which he combined with a belief that there was much which could be done to make current automobiles safer. <ref name="nyt"/>		Juliano had studied art before entering the priestood, and expressed a lifelong interest in automotive design. His family said that he had won a coveted scholarship from [[General Motors]] to study with [[Harley Earl]], which arrived only after he had already been ordained. He maintained his interest in automotive design, however, which he combined with a belief that there was much which could be done to make current automobiles safer. <ref name="nyt"/>

	Conceived, invented and built by Juliano, the Aurora was an 18 foot long [[fibreglass]]-bodied car that was two years on the drawing board and required three years to build. The high quality of the workmanship was "astounding", particularly in the fibreglass body and the plastic windows.<ref name="nyt"/> At a retail price of $12,000.00, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000.00 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The body, said to be dent, rust and corrosion proof, was specifically designed for long distance highway travel. The vehicle had a tinted, transparent "astrodome" roof with adjustable interior metal shades. Dash controlled hydraulic jacks mounted in the frame assisted in tire changing. The spare tire, located under the hood, was mounted on a platform which would extend to lower the tire to the ground without handling. <ref name="nyt"/>		Conceived, invented and built by Juliano, the Aurora was an 18 foot long fibreglass-bodied car that was two years on the drawing board and required three years to build. The high quality of the workmanship was "astounding", particularly in the fibreglass body and the plastic windows.<ref name="nyt"/> At a retail price of $12,000.00, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000.00 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The body, said to be dent, rust and corrosion proof, was specifically designed for long distance highway travel. The vehicle had a tinted, transparent "astrodome" roof with adjustable interior metal shades. Dash controlled hydraulic jacks mounted in the frame assisted in tire changing. The spare tire, located under the hood, was mounted on a platform which would extend to lower the tire to the ground without handling. <ref name="nyt"/>

	The car had many [[car safety]]-related features, novel at the time, some now routine. These features included [[seatbelt]]s, a [[roll cage]], [[Car_safety#Passive_safety\|side-impact bars and collapsible steering column]], and a padded [[instrument panel]]. The placement of the spare tire under the front end [[crumple zone\|served to absorb impacts]]. The most innovative safety feature, which has not been incorporated into other cars, was the ability to swivel the seats to face rearwards should a collision seem imminent. <ref name="nyt"/>		The car had many [[car safety]]-related features, novel at the time, some now routine. These features included [[seatbelt]]s, a [[roll cage]], [[Car_safety#Passive_safety\|side-impact bars and collapsible steering column]], and a padded [[instrument panel]]. The placement of the spare tire under the front end [[crumple zone\|served to absorb impacts]]. The most innovative safety feature, which has not been incorporated into other cars, was the ability to swivel the seats to face rearwards should a collision seem imminent. <ref name="nyt"/>
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	The Aurora is mainly remembered for its appearance, however, and is often cited in lists of the ugliest cars ever, frequently as the single ugliest car. This assessment is largely due to two factors, in addition to the general overwrought "swoopiness" of the car typical of the "futuristic" styling of the time: the gaping front end and the bulbous [[windshield]], both dictated by safety considerations. The bulging windshield was designed to eliminate impact with occupants' heads, in the era prior to [[air bag]]s, while the scoop-like front end served as a large, foam filled bumper, designed to scoop up not only air, but also pedestrians without injury.<ref name="nyt"/>		The Aurora is mainly remembered for its appearance, however, and is often cited in lists of the ugliest cars ever, frequently as the single ugliest car. This assessment is largely due to two factors, in addition to the general overwrought "swoopiness" of the car typical of the "futuristic" styling of the time: the gaping front end and the bulbous [[windshield]], both dictated by safety considerations. The bulging windshield was designed to eliminate impact with occupants' heads, in the era prior to [[air bag]]s, while the scoop-like front end served as a large, foam filled bumper, designed to scoop up not only air, but also pedestrians without injury.<ref name="nyt"/>

	The prototype had a fiberglass body over a largely wooden structure built on the salvaged [[chassis]] of a [[1953]] [[Buick]], which was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957 and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages; mainly due to clogging of the [[fuel system]], which had sat unused for the previous four years. After the inauspicious beginning of arriving hours late for its own unveiling, the car did not inspire the public due to its appearance, lack of performance, and high price, and there were no advance orders.<ref name="nyt"/>		The prototype had a fiberglass body over a largely wooden structure built on the salvaged [[chassis]] of a 1953 [[Buick]], which was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957 and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages; mainly due to clogging of the [[fuel system]], which had sat unused for the previous four years. After the inauspicious beginning of arriving hours late for its own unveiling, the car did not inspire the public due to its appearance, lack of performance, and high price, and there were no advance orders.<ref name="nyt"/>

	The company's finances were called into question; Juliano stated that that had been instigated by General Motors, and compared himself to [[Preston Tucker]]. He was investigated by the IRS, accused by the Catholic Church of misappropriating parishoners' donations, and forced to leave the Order of the Holy Ghost. But in fact, he himself had gone deeply into personal debt financing the company, and eventually declared bankruptcy, forfeiting the prototype to a [[Automobile repair shop\|repair shop]] as collateral for unpaid repair bills. It passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Juliano died of a brain hemorrhage in 1989.<ref name="nyt"/>		The company's finances were called into question; Juliano stated that that had been instigated by General Motors, and compared himself to [[Preston Tucker]]. He was investigated by the IRS, accused by the Catholic Church of misappropriating parishoners' donations, and forced to leave the Order of the Holy Ghost. But in fact, he himself had gone deeply into personal debt financing the company, and eventually declared bankruptcy, forfeiting the prototype to a [[Automobile repair shop\|repair shop]] as collateral for unpaid repair bills. It passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Juliano died of a brain hemorrhage in 1989.<ref name="nyt"/>

Red marquis at 05:38, 27 December 2007

2007-12-27T05:38:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:38, 27 December 2007
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	[[Image:Aurora.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The Aurora safety car]]		[[Image:Aurora.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|The Aurora safety car]]
	:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''		:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''

Red marquis at 05:38, 27 December 2007

2007-12-27T05:38:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:38, 27 December 2007
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	[[Image:~~aurora1957~~.jpg\|thumb\|right\|~~Cover of magazine featuring~~ Aurora safety car]]		[[Image:Aurora.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The Aurora safety car]]
	:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''		:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''

Gzuckier: deleted nonautomotive wikilinks

2007-12-26T17:15:09Z

deleted nonautomotive wikilinks

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:15, 26 December 2007
Line 2:		Line 2:
	:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''		:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''

	The '''Aurora''' was an [[United States\|American]] [[automobile]] manufactured by Father Alfred A. Juliano, a [[Catholic]] priest, from 1957 to 1958. The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV [[acronym]]. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac (automobile)\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln (automobile)\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of [[Branford, Connecticut]], partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.<ref name="nyt">"[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/automobiles/collectibles/23UGLY.html How Ugly? Put a Bag on That Car]", Jerry Garrett, [[New York Times]], December 23, 2007</ref>		The '''Aurora''' was an [[United States\|American]] [[automobile]] manufactured by Father Alfred A. Juliano, a Catholic priest, from 1957 to 1958. The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV acronym. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac (automobile)\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln (automobile)\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of Branford, Connecticut, partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.<ref name="nyt">"[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/automobiles/collectibles/23UGLY.html How Ugly? Put a Bag on That Car]", Jerry Garrett, [[New York Times]], December 23, 2007</ref>

	Juliano had studied art before entering the priestood, and expressed a lifelong interest in automotive design. His family said that he had won a coveted scholarship from [[General Motors]] to study with [[Harley Earl]], which arrived only after he had already been ~~[[ordain]]ed~~. He maintained his interest in automotive design, however, which he combined with a belief that there was much which could be done to make current automobiles safer. <ref name="nyt"/>		Juliano had studied art before entering the priestood, and expressed a lifelong interest in automotive design. His family said that he had won a coveted scholarship from [[General Motors]] to study with [[Harley Earl]], which arrived only after he had already been ordained. He maintained his interest in automotive design, however, which he combined with a belief that there was much which could be done to make current automobiles safer. <ref name="nyt"/>

	Conceived, invented and built by Juliano, the Aurora was an 18 foot long [[fibreglass]]-bodied car that was two years on the drawing board and required three years to build. The high quality of the workmanship was "astounding", particularly in the fibreglass body and the plastic windows.<ref name="nyt"/> At a retail price of $12,000.00, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000.00 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The body, said to be dent, rust and corrosion proof, was specifically designed for long distance highway travel. The vehicle had a tinted, transparent "astrodome" roof with adjustable interior metal shades. Dash controlled hydraulic jacks mounted in the frame assisted in tire changing. The spare tire, located under the hood, was mounted on a platform which would extend to lower the tire to the ground without handling. <ref name="nyt"/>		Conceived, invented and built by Juliano, the Aurora was an 18 foot long [[fibreglass]]-bodied car that was two years on the drawing board and required three years to build. The high quality of the workmanship was "astounding", particularly in the fibreglass body and the plastic windows.<ref name="nyt"/> At a retail price of $12,000.00, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000.00 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The body, said to be dent, rust and corrosion proof, was specifically designed for long distance highway travel. The vehicle had a tinted, transparent "astrodome" roof with adjustable interior metal shades. Dash controlled hydraulic jacks mounted in the frame assisted in tire changing. The spare tire, located under the hood, was mounted on a platform which would extend to lower the tire to the ground without handling. <ref name="nyt"/>
Line 14:		Line 14:
	The prototype had a fiberglass body over a largely wooden structure built on the salvaged [[chassis]] of a [[1953]] [[Buick]], which was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957 and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages; mainly due to clogging of the [[fuel system]], which had sat unused for the previous four years. After the inauspicious beginning of arriving hours late for its own unveiling, the car did not inspire the public due to its appearance, lack of performance, and high price, and there were no advance orders.<ref name="nyt"/>		The prototype had a fiberglass body over a largely wooden structure built on the salvaged [[chassis]] of a [[1953]] [[Buick]], which was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957 and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages; mainly due to clogging of the [[fuel system]], which had sat unused for the previous four years. After the inauspicious beginning of arriving hours late for its own unveiling, the car did not inspire the public due to its appearance, lack of performance, and high price, and there were no advance orders.<ref name="nyt"/>

	The company's finances were called into question; Juliano stated that that had been instigated by General Motors, and compared himself to [[Preston Tucker]]. He was investigated by the [[IRS]], accused by the [[Catholic Church]] of misappropriating parishoners' donations, and forced to leave the [[Order of the Holy Ghost]]. But in fact, he himself had gone deeply into personal debt financing the company, and eventually declared bankruptcy, forfeiting the prototype to a [[Automobile repair shop\|repair shop]] as collateral for unpaid repair bills. It passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Juliano died of a [[brain hemorrhage]] in [[1989]].<ref name="nyt"/>		The company's finances were called into question; Juliano stated that that had been instigated by General Motors, and compared himself to [[Preston Tucker]]. He was investigated by the IRS, accused by the Catholic Church of misappropriating parishoners' donations, and forced to leave the Order of the Holy Ghost. But in fact, he himself had gone deeply into personal debt financing the company, and eventually declared bankruptcy, forfeiting the prototype to a [[Automobile repair shop\|repair shop]] as collateral for unpaid repair bills. It passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Juliano died of a brain hemorrhage in 1989.<ref name="nyt"/>

	In [[1993]], the car was discovered by British car enthusiast [[Andy Saunders]] of [[Poole]], [[Dorset]], in a sketch in a book about [[dream car]]s; "It was so ugly it was unreal. I said straightaway, 'I've got to own that.'"<ref name="nyt"/> After several years of searching, he eventually tracked the car down by the name of the garage in the background of a photograph of the car, purchased it sight unseen for $1,500, and had it shipped to Britain for another $2,000. The fiberglass and wood structure of the car proved to have deteriorated terribly from exposure, as well as the interior and plastic windshield. [[Automotive restoration\|Restoration]] was further complicated by a lack of adequate documentation or even photographs of the car, the absence of the late Father Juliano to assist as a consultant, and the lack of replacement parts for a prototype vehicle. However, restoration was completed in early 2005, and the car was unveiled to a newly re-astounded public at the [[Goodwood Festival of Speed]], and is now displayed in the [[Beaulieu Motor Museum]].<ref name="nyt"/>		In 1993, the car was discovered by British car enthusiast [[Andy Saunders]] of Poole, Dorset, in a sketch in a book about [[dream car]]s; "It was so ugly it was unreal. I said straightaway, 'I've got to own that.'"<ref name="nyt"/> After several years of searching, he eventually tracked the car down by the name of the garage in the background of a photograph of the car, purchased it sight unseen for $1,500, and had it shipped to Britain for another $2,000. The fiberglass and wood structure of the car proved to have deteriorated terribly from exposure, as well as the interior and plastic windshield. [[Automotive restoration\|Restoration]] was further complicated by a lack of adequate documentation or even photographs of the car, the absence of the late Father Juliano to assist as a consultant, and the lack of replacement parts for a prototype vehicle. However, restoration was completed in early 2005, and the car was unveiled to a newly re-astounded public at the [[Goodwood Festival of Speed]], and is now displayed in the [[Beaulieu Motor Museum]].<ref name="nyt"/>
	==References==		==References==
	<references/>		<references/>

Gzuckier: updated according to my updating of wikipedia entry

2007-12-26T17:13:15Z

updated according to my updating of wikipedia entry

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 26 December 2007
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	[[~~image~~:aurora1957.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Cover of magazine featuring Aurora safety car]]		[[Image:aurora1957.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Cover of magazine featuring Aurora safety car]]
	:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''		:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''

	The '''Aurora''' was an [[United States\|American]] [[automobile]] manufactured by Father [[Alfred A. Juliano]], a Catholic priest, from 1957 to 1958. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac (automobile)\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln (automobile)\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of [[Branford, Connecticut]], partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.		The '''Aurora''' was an [[United States\|American]] [[automobile]] manufactured by Father Alfred A. Juliano, a [[Catholic]] priest, from 1957 to 1958. The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV [[acronym]]. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac (automobile)\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln (automobile)\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of [[Branford, Connecticut]], partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.<ref name="nyt">"[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/automobiles/collectibles/23UGLY.html How Ugly? Put a Bag on That Car]", Jerry Garrett, [[New York Times]], December 23, 2007</ref>

	~~Conceived, invented and built by~~ Juliano, ~~the Aurora was an 18 foot long plastic bodied car that was two years on the drawing board~~ and ~~required three years to build~~. ~~The body was~~ said ~~to be dent, rust and corrosion proof, specifically designed for long distance highway travel. The vehicle has~~ a ~~tinted, transparent "astrodome" roof with adjustable interior metal shades. The~~ [[~~spare tire~~]]~~, located under the hood, was mounted on a platform which would extend~~ to ~~lower the tire to the ground without handling. Dash controlled~~ [[~~hydraulic jack~~]]~~s mounted in the frame assisted in~~ [[~~tire changing~~]].		Juliano had studied art before entering the priestood, and expressed a lifelong interest in automotive design. His family said that he had won a coveted scholarship from [[General Motors]] to study with [[Harley Earl]], which arrived only after he had already been [[ordain]]ed. He maintained his interest in automotive design, however, which he combined with a belief that there was much which could be done to make current automobiles safer. <ref name="nyt"/>

	~~It is often cited in lists of the ugliest cars ever~~, ~~frequently as~~ the ~~single ugliest~~ car. ~~This assessment is largely due to two factors~~, in ~~addition to~~ the ~~general overwrought~~ "~~swoopiness~~" of the car ~~typical of~~ the ~~time: the gaping front end and~~ the ~~bulbous [[windshield]]~~, ~~both dictated by safety considerations~~. The ~~scoop-like front end which served as a large~~, ~~foam filled [[bumper]]~~ was designed ~~to scoop up not only air~~, ~~but also pedestrians without injury~~, ~~while~~ the ~~bulging windshield~~ was ~~designed~~ to ~~eliminate impact with occupants' heads, in~~ the ~~era prior~~ to ~~[[air bag]]s~~.		Conceived, invented and built by Juliano, the Aurora was an 18 foot long [[fibreglass]]-bodied car that was two years on the drawing board and required three years to build. The high quality of the workmanship was "astounding", particularly in the fibreglass body and the plastic windows.<ref name="nyt"/> At a retail price of $12,000.00, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000.00 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The body, said to be dent, rust and corrosion proof, was specifically designed for long distance highway travel. The vehicle had a tinted, transparent "astrodome" roof with adjustable interior metal shades. Dash controlled hydraulic jacks mounted in the frame assisted in tire changing. The spare tire, located under the hood, was mounted on a platform which would extend to lower the tire to the ground without handling. <ref name="nyt"/>

	The car had many ~~other~~ [[car safety]]-related features, novel at the time, ~~and~~ now routine. These features included [[seatbelt]]s, a [[roll cage]], [[side-impact ~~bar]]s, a [[~~collapsible steering column]], and a padded [[instrument panel]]. The most innovative safety feature, which has not been incorporated into other cars, was the ability to swivel the seats to face rearwards should a collision seem imminent. ~~At a retail price of $12,000, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.~~		The car had many [[car safety]]-related features, novel at the time, some now routine. These features included [[seatbelt]]s, a [[roll cage]], [[Car_safety#Passive_safety\|side-impact bars and collapsible steering column]], and a padded [[instrument panel]]. The placement of the spare tire under the front end [[crumple zone\|served to absorb impacts]]. The most innovative safety feature, which has not been incorporated into other cars, was the ability to swivel the seats to face rearwards should a collision seem imminent. <ref name="nyt"/>

	The ~~prototype~~, ~~which had a [[fiberglass]] body over a largely wooden structure~~, ~~was not adequately tested before~~ the ~~scheduled public unveiling in 1957~~, ~~and broke down 15 times on~~ the ~~way~~ to ~~the press conference~~, ~~requiring towing~~ to ~~7 different garages. After~~ the ~~company failed, it passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford~~ [[~~auto body shop~~]] ~~in 1967~~. ~~Its existence~~ was ~~discovered by British car enthusiast [[Andy Saunders]], from [[Poole]]~~, [[~~Dorset~~]], ~~who purchased it sight unseen for $1,500 and had it shipped to Britain for another $2,000. The fiberglass and wood structure of~~ the ~~car proved to have deteriorated terribly from exposure,~~ as ~~well as the interior and plastic windshield. Restoration was further complicated by the lack of adequate documentation or even photographs of the car, and the lack of replacement parts for~~ a ~~prototype vehicle. However~~, ~~restoration was completed in early 2005~~, ~~and the ugliest car in the world was once again on display~~ to ~~an astounded public~~, ~~in the [[Beaulieu Motor Museum]] for the next year at least~~.		The Aurora is mainly remembered for its appearance, however, and is often cited in lists of the ugliest cars ever, frequently as the single ugliest car. This assessment is largely due to two factors, in addition to the general overwrought "swoopiness" of the car typical of the "futuristic" styling of the time: the gaping front end and the bulbous [[windshield]], both dictated by safety considerations. The bulging windshield was designed to eliminate impact with occupants' heads, in the era prior to [[air bag]]s, while the scoop-like front end served as a large, foam filled bumper, designed to scoop up not only air, but also pedestrians without injury.<ref name="nyt"/>

	The ~~Aurora is arguably~~ the ~~first~~ [[~~Experimental Safety Vehicle~~]] ~~ever made~~, ~~even~~ before the ~~coinage~~ of the ~~ESV~~ [[~~acronym~~]].		The prototype had a fiberglass body over a largely wooden structure built on the salvaged [[chassis]] of a [[1953]] [[Buick]], which was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957 and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages; mainly due to clogging of the [[fuel system]], which had sat unused for the previous four years. After the inauspicious beginning of arriving hours late for its own unveiling, the car did not inspire the public due to its appearance, lack of performance, and high price, and there were no advance orders.<ref name="nyt"/>

			The company's finances were called into question; Juliano stated that that had been instigated by General Motors, and compared himself to [[Preston Tucker]]. He was investigated by the [[IRS]], accused by the [[Catholic Church]] of misappropriating parishoners' donations, and forced to leave the [[Order of the Holy Ghost]]. But in fact, he himself had gone deeply into personal debt financing the company, and eventually declared bankruptcy, forfeiting the prototype to a [[Automobile repair shop\|repair shop]] as collateral for unpaid repair bills. It passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Juliano died of a [[brain hemorrhage]] in [[1989]].<ref name="nyt"/>

			In [[1993]], the car was discovered by British car enthusiast [[Andy Saunders]] of [[Poole]], [[Dorset]], in a sketch in a book about [[dream car]]s; "It was so ugly it was unreal. I said straightaway, 'I've got to own that.'"<ref name="nyt"/> After several years of searching, he eventually tracked the car down by the name of the garage in the background of a photograph of the car, purchased it sight unseen for $1,500, and had it shipped to Britain for another $2,000. The fiberglass and wood structure of the car proved to have deteriorated terribly from exposure, as well as the interior and plastic windshield. [[Automotive restoration\|Restoration]] was further complicated by a lack of adequate documentation or even photographs of the car, the absence of the late Father Juliano to assist as a consultant, and the lack of replacement parts for a prototype vehicle. However, restoration was completed in early 2005, and the car was unveiled to a newly re-astounded public at the [[Goodwood Festival of Speed]], and is now displayed in the [[Beaulieu Motor Museum]].<ref name="nyt"/>
			==References==
			<references/>
	==External links==		==External links==
			*[http://www.andysaunderskustoms.com/]
	*[http://www.rexfeatures.com/features/516925/ Restoration of Aurora in 2005]		*[http://www.rexfeatures.com/features/516925/ Restoration of Aurora in 2005]

	[[Category:Automotive safety technologies]]		[[Category:Automotive safety technologies]]
	[[Category:Car safety]]		[[Category:Car safety]]
	~~[[Category:Classic vehicles]]~~
	[[Category:Concept automobiles]]		[[Category:Concept automobiles]]

	[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States]]		[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States]]

Gzuckier: some left over vandalpoop

2007-05-02T18:21:24Z

some left over vandalpoop

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:21, 2 May 2007
Line 4:		Line 4:
	The '''Aurora''' was an [[United States\|American]] [[automobile]] manufactured by Father [[Alfred A. Juliano]], a Catholic priest, from 1957 to 1958. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac (automobile)\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln (automobile)\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of [[Branford, Connecticut]], partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.		The '''Aurora''' was an [[United States\|American]] [[automobile]] manufactured by Father [[Alfred A. Juliano]], a Catholic priest, from 1957 to 1958. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac (automobile)\|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln (automobile)\|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of [[Branford, Connecticut]], partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.

	Conceived, invented and built by Juliano, the Aurora was an 18 foot long plastic bodied car that was two years on the drawing board and required three years to build. The body was said to be dent, rust and corrosion proof, specifically designed for long distance highway travel. The vehicle has a tinted, transparent "astrodome" roof with adjustable interior metal shades. The spare tire, located under the hood, was mounted on a platform which would extend to lower the tire to the ground without handling. Dash controlled hydraulic ~~jacks~~ mounted in the frame assisted in tire changing.		Conceived, invented and built by Juliano, the Aurora was an 18 foot long plastic bodied car that was two years on the drawing board and required three years to build. The body was said to be dent, rust and corrosion proof, specifically designed for long distance highway travel. The vehicle has a tinted, transparent "astrodome" roof with adjustable interior metal shades. The [[spare tire]], located under the hood, was mounted on a platform which would extend to lower the tire to the ground without handling. Dash controlled [[hydraulic jack]]s mounted in the frame assisted in [[tire changing]].
	It is often cited in lists of the ugliest cars ever, frequently as the single ugliest car. This assessment is largely due to two factors, in addition to the general overwrought "swoopiness" of the car typical of the time: the gaping front end and the bulbous [[windshield]], both dictated by safety considerations. The scoop-like front end which served as a large, foam filled bumper was designed to scoop up not only air, but also pedestrians without injury, while the bulging windshield was designed to eliminate impact with occupants' heads, in the era prior to [[air bag]]s.
			It is often cited in lists of the ugliest cars ever, frequently as the single ugliest car. This assessment is largely due to two factors, in addition to the general overwrought "swoopiness" of the car typical of the time: the gaping front end and the bulbous [[windshield]], both dictated by safety considerations. The scoop-like front end which served as a large, foam filled [[bumper]] was designed to scoop up not only air, but also pedestrians without injury, while the bulging windshield was designed to eliminate impact with occupants' heads, in the era prior to [[air bag]]s.

	The car had many other [[car safety]]-related features, novel at the time, and now routine. These features included [[seatbelt]]s, a [[roll cage]], [[side-impact bar]]s, a [[collapsible steering column]], and a padded [[instrument panel]]. The most innovative safety feature, which has not been incorporated into other cars, was the ability to swivel the seats to face rearwards should a collision seem imminent. At a retail price of $12,000, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.		The car had many other [[car safety]]-related features, novel at the time, and now routine. These features included [[seatbelt]]s, a [[roll cage]], [[side-impact bar]]s, a [[collapsible steering column]], and a padded [[instrument panel]]. The most innovative safety feature, which has not been incorporated into other cars, was the ability to swivel the seats to face rearwards should a collision seem imminent. At a retail price of $12,000, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.

	The prototype, which had a [[fiberglass]] body over a largely wooden structure, was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957, and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages. After the company failed, it passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Its existence was discovered by British car enthusiast [[Andy Saunders]], from [[Poole]], [[Dorset]], who purchased it sight unseen for $1,500 and had it shipped to Britain for another $2,000. The fiberglass and wood structure of the car proved to have deteriorated terribly from exposure, as well as the interior and plastic windshield. Restoration was further complicated by the ~~fact that Father Juliano is now dead making it imposible for him to assist as a consultant, as well as a~~ lack of adequate documentation or even photographs of the car, and the lack of replacement parts for a prototype vehicle. However, restoration was completed in early 2005, and the ugliest car in the world was once again on display to an astounded public, in the [[Beaulieu Motor Museum]] for the next year at least.		The prototype, which had a [[fiberglass]] body over a largely wooden structure, was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957, and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages. After the company failed, it passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Its existence was discovered by British car enthusiast [[Andy Saunders]], from [[Poole]], [[Dorset]], who purchased it sight unseen for $1,500 and had it shipped to Britain for another $2,000. The fiberglass and wood structure of the car proved to have deteriorated terribly from exposure, as well as the interior and plastic windshield. Restoration was further complicated by the lack of adequate documentation or even photographs of the car, and the lack of replacement parts for a prototype vehicle. However, restoration was completed in early 2005, and the ugliest car in the world was once again on display to an astounded public, in the [[Beaulieu Motor Museum]] for the next year at least.

	The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV [[acronym]].		The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV [[acronym]].

Gzuckier: no sense in having cents

2007-05-02T15:24:39Z

no sense in having cents

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:24, 2 May 2007
Line 7:		Line 7:
	It is often cited in lists of the ugliest cars ever, frequently as the single ugliest car. This assessment is largely due to two factors, in addition to the general overwrought "swoopiness" of the car typical of the time: the gaping front end and the bulbous [[windshield]], both dictated by safety considerations. The scoop-like front end which served as a large, foam filled bumper was designed to scoop up not only air, but also pedestrians without injury, while the bulging windshield was designed to eliminate impact with occupants' heads, in the era prior to [[air bag]]s.		It is often cited in lists of the ugliest cars ever, frequently as the single ugliest car. This assessment is largely due to two factors, in addition to the general overwrought "swoopiness" of the car typical of the time: the gaping front end and the bulbous [[windshield]], both dictated by safety considerations. The scoop-like front end which served as a large, foam filled bumper was designed to scoop up not only air, but also pedestrians without injury, while the bulging windshield was designed to eliminate impact with occupants' heads, in the era prior to [[air bag]]s.

	The car had many other [[car safety]]-related features, novel at the time, and now routine. These features included [[seatbelt]]s, a [[roll cage]], [[side-impact bar]]s, a [[collapsible steering column]], and a padded [[instrument panel]]. The most innovative safety feature, which has not been incorporated into other cars, was the ability to swivel the seats to face rearwards should a collision seem imminent. At a retail price of $12,~~000.~~00, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,~~000.~~00 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.		The car had many other [[car safety]]-related features, novel at the time, and now routine. These features included [[seatbelt]]s, a [[roll cage]], [[side-impact bar]]s, a [[collapsible steering column]], and a padded [[instrument panel]]. The most innovative safety feature, which has not been incorporated into other cars, was the ability to swivel the seats to face rearwards should a collision seem imminent. At a retail price of $12,000, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.

	The prototype, which had a [[fiberglass]] body over a largely wooden structure, was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957, and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages. After the company failed, it passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Its existence was discovered by British car enthusiast [[Andy Saunders]], from [[Poole]], [[Dorset]], who purchased it sight unseen for $1,500 and had it shipped to Britain for another $2,000. The fiberglass and wood structure of the car proved to have deteriorated terribly from exposure, as well as the interior and plastic windshield. Restoration was further complicated by the fact that Father Juliano is now dead making it imposible for him to assist as a consultant, as well as a lack of adequate documentation or even photographs of the car, and the lack of replacement parts for a prototype vehicle. However, restoration was completed in early 2005, and the ugliest car in the world was once again on display to an astounded public, in the [[Beaulieu Motor Museum]] for the next year at least.		The prototype, which had a [[fiberglass]] body over a largely wooden structure, was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957, and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages. After the company failed, it passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Its existence was discovered by British car enthusiast [[Andy Saunders]], from [[Poole]], [[Dorset]], who purchased it sight unseen for $1,500 and had it shipped to Britain for another $2,000. The fiberglass and wood structure of the car proved to have deteriorated terribly from exposure, as well as the interior and plastic windshield. Restoration was further complicated by the fact that Father Juliano is now dead making it imposible for him to assist as a consultant, as well as a lack of adequate documentation or even photographs of the car, and the lack of replacement parts for a prototype vehicle. However, restoration was completed in early 2005, and the ugliest car in the world was once again on display to an astounded public, in the [[Beaulieu Motor Museum]] for the next year at least.

Gzuckier: I wrote a lot of the wikipedia aurora entry, so I figure i can use it here

2007-05-02T15:22:50Z

I wrote a lot of the wikipedia aurora entry, so I figure i can use it here

New page

[[image:aurora1957.jpg|thumb|right|Cover of magazine featuring Aurora safety car]]
:''See also the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] from the 1990s.''

The '''Aurora''' was an [[United States|American]] [[automobile]] manufactured by Father [[Alfred A. Juliano]], a Catholic priest, from 1957 to 1958. This [[safety car]] was to be available with a [[Chrysler]], [[Cadillac (automobile)|Cadillac]], or [[Lincoln (automobile)|Lincoln]] engine, built on a [[Buick]] [[chassis]]. However, the Aurora Motor Company of [[Branford, Connecticut]], partially funded by Juliano's congregation, went bankrupt after producing just one $30,000 prototype.

Conceived, invented and built by Juliano, the Aurora was an 18 foot long plastic bodied car that was two years on the drawing board and required three years to build. The body was said to be dent, rust and corrosion proof, specifically designed for long distance highway travel. The vehicle has a tinted, transparent "astrodome" roof with adjustable interior metal shades. The spare tire, located under the hood, was mounted on a platform which would extend to lower the tire to the ground without handling. Dash controlled hydraulic jacks mounted in the frame assisted in tire changing.
It is often cited in lists of the ugliest cars ever, frequently as the single ugliest car. This assessment is largely due to two factors, in addition to the general overwrought "swoopiness" of the car typical of the time: the gaping front end and the bulbous [[windshield]], both dictated by safety considerations. The scoop-like front end which served as a large, foam filled bumper was designed to scoop up not only air, but also pedestrians without injury, while the bulging windshield was designed to eliminate impact with occupants' heads, in the era prior to [[air bag]]s.

The car had many other [[car safety]]-related features, novel at the time, and now routine. These features included [[seatbelt]]s, a [[roll cage]], [[side-impact bar]]s, a [[collapsible steering column]], and a padded [[instrument panel]]. The most innovative safety feature, which has not been incorporated into other cars, was the ability to swivel the seats to face rearwards should a collision seem imminent. At a retail price of $12,000.00, it would have been priced just under the most costly car in the U.S., the $13,000.00 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.

The prototype, which had a [[fiberglass]] body over a largely wooden structure, was not adequately tested before the scheduled public unveiling in 1957, and broke down 15 times on the way to the press conference, requiring towing to 7 different garages. After the company failed, it passed through several hands before finally being abandoned behind a Branford [[auto body shop]] in 1967. Its existence was discovered by British car enthusiast [[Andy Saunders]], from [[Poole]], [[Dorset]], who purchased it sight unseen for $1,500 and had it shipped to Britain for another $2,000. The fiberglass and wood structure of the car proved to have deteriorated terribly from exposure, as well as the interior and plastic windshield. Restoration was further complicated by the fact that Father Juliano is now dead making it imposible for him to assist as a consultant, as well as a lack of adequate documentation or even photographs of the car, and the lack of replacement parts for a prototype vehicle. However, restoration was completed in early 2005, and the ugliest car in the world was once again on display to an astounded public, in the [[Beaulieu Motor Museum]] for the next year at least.

The Aurora is arguably the first [[Experimental Safety Vehicle]] ever made, even before the coinage of the ESV [[acronym]].

==External links==
*[http://www.rexfeatures.com/features/516925/ Restoration of Aurora in 2005]

[[Category:Automotive safety technologies]]
[[Category:Car safety]]
[[Category:Classic vehicles]]
[[Category:Concept automobiles]]

[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States]]