ARO is the classic Romanian workshop's native territory. We have been restoring ARO vehicles since the business opened in 2002, and our inventory of period-correct parts, consumables, and factory documentation is among the deepest in the country.
Most ARO commissions we handle are returning a M461 or 240 to daily-drivable condition for owners who want to use the vehicle regularly — off-road, as a camper, or as an unusual-but-dependable second car. We also take on Concours ARO restorations for collectors who recognise these vehicles as genuine Eastern-European automotive history.
Parts sourcing is our advantage. We maintain standing stock of engine consumables, brake components, drivetrain parts, and original bodywork panels for the common models. For rarer items — specifically interior trim, headlamp assemblies for some model years, and correct-period soft-tops — we know which former ARO Câmpulung employees to call.
Flagship models
- ARO M4611964–1975Our most-restored ARO. Military lineage, full body-on restorations with original colour schemes.
- ARO 240 / 2441972–1990Civilian 4x4 variants. Huge variety of body styles including pickup, estate, enclosed.
- ARO 10 (Dacia-based)1980–2006Daily Driver and unusual restoration commissions — often from owners wanting a period-correct off-roader.
- ARO 24 / 24 Lux1985–2006The refined late ARO with luxury interior options. Show Driver potential for a cult market.
Common restoration challenges
- Chassis corrosion on M461 — almost universal; we treat at bare-metal before repaint
- Original military-green colour matching (paint records are sparse — we match from surviving paint)
- Engine parts for the 2.5L inline-four — stocked on our shelves, not in catalogues
- Interior textile sourcing for factory-correct upholstery
- Soft-top fabric specification and reproduction for M461 convertible variants
- Lighting + electrical restoration — 6V and 12V variants over the production run
Our process for ARO
ARO intake starts with a chassis-number check and a full-vehicle photo survey. Because many ARO vehicles have lived hard lives, we usually find unexpected welding and non-original components; we document each and discuss how far to chase authenticity. Owners split roughly 60/40 between "restore to factory" and "restore to usable daily" — we're equally happy with either scope.
Typical project cost
ARO restorations are a special case — the market values them lower than Western marques, so we're transparent about economic logic. Most ARO commissions are labours of love where the cost ceiling is the owner's emotional budget, not resale.
| Tier | Indicative 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Daily Driver | from €9,000 (ARO 10, 240) |
| Show Driver | €18,000 – €42,000 (M461, 240, 244) |
| Concours | €50,000 upward (M461 matching-numbers) |
ARO FAQ
How much does an ARO M461 restoration cost?
A Daily Driver M461 restoration lands €12,000–€22,000 — usually the sweet spot for these vehicles. A Show Driver M461 with full cosmetic respray and interior restoration runs €25,000–€42,000. Concours-level M461 restorations (matching-numbers, factory-colour paint, NOS interior) can exceed €55,000.
Do you have parts for ARO 240 and 244?
Yes — we maintain the largest stocked inventory for ARO 240/244 in Romania. Most common service components are on our shelves; rare interior trim we source through former ARO Câmpulung contacts.
Is it worth restoring an ARO financially?
Rarely. ARO vehicles are undervalued by the international market, so a Concours restoration won't recover its cost at resale. Most owners restore because they want to own and drive a specific ARO — we support that fully but will always tell you the honest economic picture at intake.
Can you convert an ARO to modern mechanicals?
We can, on request, fit a modern diesel and drivetrain for owners who want the vehicle reliable as a daily driver. This obviously compromises originality — we discuss trade-offs clearly before committing.
How long does an ARO restoration take?
Daily Driver ARO work runs 4–7 months. Show Driver scope on an M461 is 8–12 months. Concours — 12–18 months because parts sourcing slows the critical path more than the labour does.