October 2004

The Continental O-200 and its big brother O-300 are candidates for the best-selling General Aviation engine ever built. Originated in the late 1940s and built as the C-75, 85, 90, 125 and 145, they powered countless Cessna 120s, 140s, 150s, 170s, 172s, 175s and a host of other manufacturers’ models.

Designations were changed during the 1950s to reflect displacement rather than horsepower: four of the 4.1” x 3.9” cylinders totaled 201 cu. in. and six of them added up to 301 cu. in.