Benz builds first two-cylinder opposed-piston engine

  • Date
    July 1897
  • Description
    Benz & Cie. delivers the first unit of the Break model. This open vehicle for 12 passengers is powered by a 15 hp / 11 kW two-cylinder engine. By the end of the year a further two-cylinder car is available – the Benz Dos-à-Dos. It is equipped with an opposed-piston engine which develops 5 hp / 3.7 kW and is christened by Carl Benz the Contra engine, on account of its pistons being arranged opposite each other.
Benz "Break", 12 Sitze mit Sonnendach, 2-Zylinder-Contramotor mit 15 PS, 1898 - 1901
A39720
Benz »Break«
Benz "Break" for 12 persons with 4.2 litre two-cylinder contra engine (boxer engine). The engine power specifications vary between 13 and 15 hp/9.6 kW and 11 kW. Built between 1898 and 1900. Here Eugen Benz at the wheel of a Benz Break for 12 people. In 1901 there was still a small version for eight people with a two-liter 10 hp / 7 kW boxer engine.
22958
Benz "Break" 12 seats
Benz Dos-à-Dos, here with unknown persons, which was delivered with different engines: 
Jan 1898 and Jan.1899 with 5 + 8 hp, October1899 with 5 + 9 hp, 1901 with 9/10 hp, 2 cyl. Boxer engine
1997M684
Benz Dos-à-Dos
Benz Twin four-stroke petrol engine 5 to 8 hp, 500 to 1000 rpm, 110 bore, 110 stroke without and with adjustable electric high-voltage ignition, built: 1895 - 1900
H3062
Benz engine
Benz "Contra engine" opposed-piston engine (forefather of today's boxer engines), 
Contra four-stroke petrol engine 5, 8, 12 and 16 hp, 500 to 1000 rpm, adjustable electric high-voltage ignition, 1897
81312
Benz "Contra engine"
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