ARNOLT
(Arnolt-MG, Arnolt-Bristol and Arnolt-Aston Martin) 1952-1960


In the time of crisis during the thirties, the young engineer Stanley Harold ‘Wacky’ Arnolt didn’t had any luck at his first job. The Waukesha Engineering Company where he worked became bankrupt and as for payment Stanley got a patent for an outboard motor. That was in 1939. Two years later, Stanley possessed two factories who built ‘Arnolt-SeaMite’-engines for the American Marine day and night. The engines made him a fortune and when peace was signed, his factories, whom he already had six, could switch over from engines to domestic appliances.

Stanley Arnolt was one of the first Americans who imported a MG TC from England in 1946. A year later, he possessed some garages in Chicago and in the year 1952, he became an importer of BMC for the Midwest. That was after he had bought 1000 Morris Minors in one deal. Stanley Arnolt was already dealer in Bristol cars and Solex mopeds.

When visiting an exposition at Torino, Arnolt ordered 200 MGs with a body designed by Bertone. He sold those as Arnolt-MGs in the United States. When MG, after 100 pieces, couldn’t deliver anymore TC chassis, Arnolt developed the Arnolt-Bristol, also with a body designed by Bertone. With these cars people could race as well and that was proved in the 12 hours race at Sebring in 1955, when the cars won the first, second, forth and fifth place in their class.

After a meeting with David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin, there were built four Arnolt-Aston Martins on the chassis of the DB 2/4. These cars were shown at the exposition of New York in the year 1954. These cars were drawn by Franco Scaglione and built by Bertone as well.

Arnolt-MG (1952-1956)

Number = about 100
To deliver Bertone the needed starting capital, Arnolt had to buy the half of the firm Bertone.
Engine = four cylinders, 1250 cc, 55 hp / 5200 rpm.
There were sold 35 Arnolt-MGs as convertible. The others were coupés.
The Arnolt-MG could been delivered with wire wheels as well as wheels with closed sides.

Arnolt-Bristol (1953-1960)

Number = 142
When MG couldn’t deliver any more TC chassis, Arnolt switched over to the chassis of Bristol.
Engine = six cylinders, 1971 cc, 132 hp / 5500 rpm.
The car cost $3.995 in the United States. A Bristol 404 cost $9.946.

Arnolt-Aston Martin (1954)

Number = 4
The Arnolt-Aston Martin was the next car by Franco Scaglione. Engine = six cylinders, 2580 cc, 127 hp/5000 rpm.
Franco Scaglione still worked for Bertone when he designed the Arnolt-Aston Martin.
There are built only four Arnolt-Aston Martins. The rolling chassis was brought from England to Torino and from there to the United States.

©VEA