The American-made ARGO "Elfin" 2.49 cc diesel was a look-alike rendition of the 1949 Elfin 249 plain bearing model from Liverpool, England. Although it was widely referred to as a "replica" of the Elfin, it was actually a quite different engine in a number of respects, hence being far more of a look-alike than a replica. Indeed, the manufacturer never claimed it as a replica - he merely used the "Elfin" name as a model identifier. 

The ARGO "Elfin" was marketed by John Targos of Los Angeles between 1992 and 1995. The crankcases were investment-cast to a very high standard by Larry Jenno of La Vegas, who also produced the rest of the components for the first 25 engines. The components for subsequent units were manufactured by Lew Mahieu. The engines were produced to very high standards of quality, also performing at a somewhat higher level than the Elfin originals. Many of them saw service in the hands of SAM members in the South-West USA. As many as 300 examples may have been made and sold.    

A detailed review and test of the ARGO "Elfin" 249 may be found elsewhere on this website.