Archimedes Archimedes started production of its famous two opposed cylinders ”Balans-motorn” in 1912. This construction was good and efficient and Archimedes became well known and sold in many countries. The first motor was littera BS (Balans) 2,5 Hp. The first series had battery ignition but was soon replaced by an own made flywheel magneto. In 1914 came the more powerful engine BSII with 500 cc. and 5 Hp. In 1914 it was held the “Baltic Exhibition” in Malmö, Sweden and the kings of Sweden and Denmark tried it out with a trip in a boat on the “Pildammarna” lake. Not less than 148.000 other visitors to the exhibition did the same thing. In 1916 the “ABEA” motor was presented. The engine could turn round 360 degrees and had two tillers. In 1918 came the “BSO” in 1919 “BST” and 1920 “BSOT”. In 1927 came “BSM” which looked like “BST” but had 3,5 Hp. In 1928 came “BSR” suitable for boat racing. This motor was soon replaced by “BSRB” 14 Hp / 345cc. This motor was winning many “B-Class” races. In 1928 came “BSP” 2,5 Hp a lightweight motor made for sail boats. In 1930 the “BSM” 4,5Hp was launched. It became a very popular motor. In 1931 came the first “A-Series” motor. This motor was named “AIII” 14 Hp and of three port type, new “float bowl” carburator, new magneto etc. The new sport motor “BIII” was launched in 1932. 18-20 Hp and 492cc. As a specially made racing motor it was increased to 32 Hp at 5.700 r pm and competed with Johnson, Evinrude, Trim, Penta, Gyro and Soriano in the round “Mälaren” races. 148 nautical miles which lasted 5 hours or more. In 1934/35. “B-Series” B1-4 HP. B2-7 to 10 HP. B6-6Hp. In 1938. “B-22” 10-12 Hp. With reverse gear B22-B. Until WW2 Archimedes made about 2.000 outboard motors per year. The company was in 1941 sold to AB Electrolux in Stockholm. Electrolux also bought the Penta outboard production in 1944. Electrolux started by continuing production, in the Archimedes factory, by the famous Archimedes B-22 and Penta U-21, later modernised to U-21S. New modern Elektrolux motors in AB and PB series was made and carried on the Archimedes and Penta names or many years to come.
