Following the warm reception of the 1951 Minnie in Latin America, Wisconsin Motors built their first factory in Querataro, Mexico and was considering expanding their lineup in these and other foreign markets. To build prestige and brand awareness, the AeroMouse (RatonAereo) would be their next product, albeit with an engine lineup more conducive to foreign tax laws. The 1952 Corso di Fruinia was a great opportunity to test these new drivetrains on real roads, under the stresses of racing. It was also an opportunity to test and further refine their planned Carrera Panamerica entries. The AeroMouse pioneered WM’s use of a longitudinal fwd layout, a technology that would go on to be used on other WM small car models in the 1950’s. The Carrera Panamerica cars feature a 4WD system adapted from the larger Angler edition Earl, and would go on to compete in Baja racing as well.
RatonAereo #654 is powered by a prototype thin wall Hurricane triple, which would be introduced in a slightly larger form in 1955. This example measues 799cc.
RatonAereo #657 is powered by an experimental boxer 6,known around the shop as the “ProtoPancake”, based on Hurricane internals and valvegear it’s essentially two horizontally opposed triples.
AeroMouse Panamerica #694 is being fielded by Kohlberg Co, another Wisconsin manufacturer under the Cheesehead Holdings banner. It’s powered by a 2.2L flat four adapted from their industrial lawnmower. Conversion to OHV from its previous sidevalve arrangement was engineered by WM.
AeroMouse Panamerica #53140 uses a Meyers OHV V8-60 sourced from a California hot rod shop. This is the chassis currently being developed for the Carrera Panamerica.
AeroMouse Panamerica #53142 is a privateer entry, based on the Panamerica car but fitted with a 303cid Oldsmoburble Rocket V8.