Can You Identify this Rare Vintage Porsche Engine?

This may very well may be an engine built by Ferdinand Porsche during his tenure at Austro-Daimler.

Recently, we came across this picture of an engine created by the master himself, Ferdinand Porsche. The owner of the engine posted the picture on Reddit seeking information. We decided to reach out to the most dedicated Porsche enthusiasts for answers.

MrKKrystal is the owner of the engine. “Does anyone have any info about this engine?” he posted. “It is supposed to be constructed by Ferdinand Porsche and manufactured in Daimler-Benz in 1916.” He went on to say this this might a one-of-a-kind find, well, technically one in two. “There is supposed to be only one other known to exist,” he adds.

Build by Porsche in 1916 most likely narrows it down to what could be to be the 1916 Austro-Daimler 2-cylinder Feldbahn engine.

So, quick history lesson. Ferdinand Porsche worked for Austro-Daimler in 1906, which later became Daimler-Benz, which later became Mercedes-Benz. Porsche left shortly thereafter and decided to summon horsepower hell from Stuttgart.  

While at Austro-Daimler, one of his accomplishments was the creation of a 2-cylinder gas engine that made 5 horsepower, and it was used for trains and railways. However, during his time Porsche at Austro-Daimler he was responsible for a number of creations. If the date is wrong, this does open up the door for other possibilities.

So, if you are a true Porsche motor head, this is your moment to shine! If you have the answers, check in with MrKKrystal on Reddit, and definitely let us know. We’d love to solve a mystery, and help someone discover a true automotive treasure.

Photos: Reddit; far(T)raum 

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.