The DALOR 4.5 cc diesel was one of the earliest model engines to be produced in series in the Republic of Argentina. The introductory date of this engine is somewhat uncertain, but architectural and other evidence seems to date it to around 1954.

The design of the DALOR appears to have been strongly influenced by that of the contemporary FROG 250 diesel. It is known that FROG engines were imported into Argentina along with quite a few others. Examples of the FROG 250 were thus available to be copied. The DALOR definitely entered series production, but appears to have been withdrawn quite early on. Surviving examples are quite rare today.

Although the castings were produced to a very good standard, the DALOR exhibited a number of design shortcomings which implied a lack of experience on the part of the designer. The illustrated example was very competently rebuilt by the mega-talented model engine restorer Dean Clarke of the Cre8tionworx company of New Zealand. Most of the engine's design shortcomings were corrected by Dean during the course of this rebuild. The restored engine is an excellent starter and a good runner.

A detailed article covering the Argentinian model engine manufacturing industry in general and the DALOR 4.5 cc diesel in particular appears elsewhere on this website.