S.H. Arnolt Inc. was a pioneering licensed automobile manufacturer in Illinois, founded by the eccentric Stanley H. Arnolt. Arnolt, known as "Wacky" to friends, was an American industrialist who brought foreign cars into the US in the 1950s. These hybrid cars had British mechanicals, Italian bodywork, and US sales, distribution, and sometimes final assembly. Between 1953 and 1968, Arnolt collaborated with Bertone, the renowned Italian coachbuilder, to create four unique cars using running gear and engines from British carmakers Aston Martin, Bentley, Bristol, and MG. These Bertone-bodied cars became known for their stylish designs and solid performance.
History
Arnolt automobiles were a line of sports cars sold in the United States between 1953 and 1968. They were created by Stanley Harold "Wacky" Arnolt, a Chicago industrialist who began importing foreign cars in the 1950s. Arnolt collaborated with the Italian coachbuilder Bertone to create four unique models, each using mechanical components from British manufacturers such as MG and Aston Martin. The cars were sold as American vehicles, but they were true hybrids with Italian bodywork and British mechanicals. Arnolt's cars were known for their distinctive style and high performance, but the company ceased production in the late 1960s due to financial difficulties. Despite their relatively short production run, Arnolt automobiles remain highly collectible and prized by enthusiasts today.
