Engine O7P was originally fitted to a 1929 Rolls-Royce 20HP chassis no. GLN76, registration UR3363 and was “off test” 1st March 1929. Sold via Aylesbury Motor Company Ltd to W N Watson, MD of Oxo Ltd, the car was bodied as an enclosed limousine by Hooper, in dark blue and black with a fine blue line. The Rolls-Royce chassis cards for the car show regular maintenance throughout its time with W N Watson, including fitment of +0.020” pistons in 1934.

It was sold on 2nd June 1937 to its second owner Jack Compton (the noted Rolls-Royce dealer) and it was presumably he that had the car rebodied / modernised as a “Foursome Drop Head Coupe” by Jasel, built by Ranalah. Whilst with Compton, the engine received another minor overhaul in November 1937. The car then went on to star in the 1941 war spy thriller Cottage to Let (staring a young George Cole), after which the car disappears from view.

The engine and remains of the running gear to GLN76 were advertised in Exchange & Mart in the mid 1960's at an address in Dagenham, Essex. Incorrectly advertised as parts to a later 20/25, these were to be used in support of the restoration of another car (a 1932 20/25). Engine O7P was partially stripped down, the head removed and fitted to the 20/25. Finding that this did not fit, the restoration of the 20/25 stalled and the car and spares lay in a barn for the next 50 years. Uncovered as part of a house clearance, I bought the car and spares from the son of the original would-be restorer via auction in December 2021.

Now clearly identified as being from an earlier car, I have cleaned the engine and loosely reassembled it, where appropriate, to assess condition and completeness. From this work you can see the "S+20" stamps from the Rolls-Royce Hythe Rd service depot rebuild (22nd September 1934) on the block, and also note that it has been fitted with +0.060" pistons (later fitment).

The engine comprises of:

- Cooling fan

- Block

- Crankcase

- Sump

- Crankshaft, conrods and pistons (marked +0.060”)

- Camshaft

- Cam followers

- Flywheel and clutch assembly

- Timing gears and wheel-house casing

- Torsional Damper

- Oil pump

- Sump

- Minor brackets and fixings, including parts of the ignition and mixture control lever assembly

Available and advertised separately, but could be combined for a group sale with the engine:

- Rocker shaft

- Cast iron intake and exhaust manifold

In terms of condition, the engine will require a complete rebuild plus some additional parts (most notably a cylinder head – new aluminium ones being available). I have cleaned both inside the tappet chest and water jacket plates. As well as the recorded maintenance work on the engine early in its life, it has shown many signs of being willing to come back to life – even the torsional damper wasn’t too silted up! The engine represents an excellent basis for someone with the time and skills to build up a complete engine (as a rebuilt O7P) or to use the engine as a donor for your own repairs.

The engine comes with the original chassis cards (including sign off dyno curve) and build history. It is mounted on its own wooden stand, which has been designed to work with a pallet truck for ease of movement and clearance for the legs of a Sealey engine crane.

Due to the size and weight of the engine, collection only from near Junction 17 M6, Sandbach, Cheshire. Viewing additional images etc can be arranged.