Our Lorenz was procured for us by Jim French. He brought it from Europe to England, where he gave it the once over, tuned it up, tested it out, and made some parts for the magneto.

After the engine was deemed operable, it was crated up. Jim must think that we still use stagecoaches for delivery, as the crate was sturdy enough to withstand a stampede of buffalo!

Despite the best efforts of the cargo handlers, pirates, and operators of the Panama Canal, the engine and crate arrived safely.

We cleared customs on a Thursday and tore down the sides of the crate on Friday. We had a show on Saturday, so there wasn't time to waste. We left the engine (now known as "Hendrik") strapped down to the pallet, added some gas and oil, and in two spins of the flywheel the engine was chugging happily along.

The Lorenz company was founded in 1882 to produce and repair agricultural machinery in Kromeriz, Moravia, which was ruled under the Habsburg Monarchy.

The company survived the change of government to democratic republic in 1918 and the German occupation beginning in 1938. When the Communists gained power in 1948, Lorenz' buildings were seized and the machinery and manufacturing rights were transferred elsewhere.

This engine was built circa 1920. It produces three horsepower. Speed is regulated by stopping the primary intake valve. When the engine slows, the cam moves under the follower, allowing the valve to open. The secondary intake valve is then opened by atmospheric pressure. When it opens, its stem pulls open a third valve, which allows fuel to flow into the air stream.

If you have details of other Lorenz engines, please visit the Lorenz Registry operated by Arnie Fero. Your information can help to piece together the history of the Lorenz company as well as help collectors determine the manufacturing dates of their engines.