Description
ILO 1931 F60H 60cc two stroke auxiliary engine fitted to contemporary carrier bicycle engine # 1593784
In 1911, Heinrich Christiansen starts a machine factory near Hamburg, in the north of Germany.
Initially, the company is mainly active in the field of machines and tools for the railways.
Christiansen chooses as brand name ILO (also spelled JLO, Esperanto for ”Good Tool”).
From the 1920s the focus is mainly on building affordable and reliable two-stroke engines for a wide range of applications.
Mopeds, motorcycles, stationary engines and even automobiles are fitted with ILO engines.
From 1930 a 60cc auxiliary engine is marketed, the ILO F60 that comes available in two versions.
The F60H, with the H from Hinterrad (rear wheel), and the F60R, with the R from Rahmendreieck (frame triangle).
The F60H is mounted over the rear wheel.
The sheet metal tank is fitted on top of the engine and available in a 1.5 or 3 litre variant.
The horizontal blind-bore cylinder is located close to the saddle, which gives these types of auxiliary engines the nickname “steak warmer”.
Via a primary gear transmission with a single-disc clutch a chain drives the rear wheel.
To receive the correct sprocket and accessories, the make of the rear brake hub, the number of spokes and wheel diameter, 26” or 28”, have to be specified when ordering.
In its original form, the F60 comes with a fully built-in Bosch ignition, with cup-shaped flywheel and external ignition coil.
Later on in the thirties, at additional costs, the engine can be supplied with Norris ignition with lighting coil, recognizable by the round aluminium flywheel cover.
The F60 is constantly being developed and stays part of the ILO range until well after the Second World War.
The post-war types are all equipped with Noris ignition with a round flywheel cover and with a blue-grey painted tank.
The engine of this early example is in running condition and can be dated to 1931.
Production year and month are stamped on internal gears and crankshaft.
Although they were very popular in the early thirties only few of these early ILO cycle motors have survived, especially with the original ILO carburettor with cast in logo.
The carrier bicycle is in good original condition and the combination of the sturdy bicycle with wooden carrier crate and engine unit enhances the pleasing patina.