The Resurrection of the Aurora: From Abandoned Field to Automotive Icon
In 1993, a remarkably rare prototype was discovered on a farm in Connecticut. It was a single example of the “Aurora,” a vehicle built in 1957 by Father Alfred Juliano. Quickly hailed as one of the safest cars ever conceived, it was also described as strikingly unconventional. But for Andy Saunders, it was a dream come true. He found the dilapidated car outside a workshop and embarked on a decades-long journey to restore it.
A Priest, a Prototype, and a Vision for Safety
Father Alfred Juliano, a Catholic priest with a background in art and a lifelong passion for automotive design, envisioned a car that prioritized passenger safety above all else. He began work on the Aurora in 1957, aiming to create what is arguably the first Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESV), predating the formal employ of that term. The Aurora was conceived as a fiberglass-bodied car, built on a Buick chassis, and potentially powered by a Chrysler, Cadillac, or Lincoln engine.
From Prototype to Abandonment
Juliano’s Aurora Motor Company, partially funded by his congregation, ultimately failed after producing just one prototype, costing $30,000. Financial difficulties mounted as the car, considered “ugly” by some, failed to attract buyers. The prototype was used as collateral and eventually abandoned at a Connecticut workshop. The car’s innovative safety features – including a roll cage, seatbelts, a padded dashboard, a collapsible steering wheel, side-impact bars, and even a “cow catcher” designed to protect pedestrians – weren’t enough to overcome the financial hurdles.
A Decade-Long Restoration
Andy Saunders’ search for the Aurora spanned years, fueled by his fascination with the unusual design. He eventually located the workshop from classic photographs and purchased the car for $1,500, plus $2,000 for shipping to England. The restoration took eleven years, requiring a complete rebuild due to the extensive damage to the fiberglass body. Saunders meticulously reconstructed the car, utilizing original parts where possible and creating new fiberglass components to restore its original form.
A Second Life as an Automotive Icon
Upon completion in 2004, the restored Aurora received widespread acclaim, including a feature at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and coverage in publications like the New York Times. Saunders’ “ugly duckling” had grow a celebrated piece of automotive history, a testament to Father Juliano’s pioneering vision for vehicle safety.
The Legacy of Early Safety Innovation
The Aurora stands as a unique example of early automotive safety engineering. While many contemporary cars lacked even basic safety features, Father Juliano was incorporating concepts like roll cages and padded interiors into his design. This proactive approach foreshadowed the development of modern Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESVs) and the widespread adoption of safety standards in the automotive industry.
FAQ
- Who built the Aurora? Father Alfred A. Juliano, a Catholic priest, built the Aurora.
- When was the Aurora built? The Aurora was built between 1957 and 1958.
- What happened to the Aurora Motor Company? The Aurora Motor Company went out of business after producing only one prototype.
- How much did the Aurora prototype cost? The prototype cost $30,000 to build.
Did you know? Father Juliano had previously won a scholarship to study automotive design with Harley Earl at General Motors, but declined it after becoming a priest.
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