Identification query

[Mary Lindsay]

We have discovered in our collection of motoring objects a pair of Broadspeed rocker box covers and cannot find out what they are from.

Dimensions
Length 11 inches (28cms)
Width 4.5" (11.4cms)
Height 1.25" (3.5cms)

Can anyone help identify them?

[Andy Downes]

Hello Mary,

I have sent some details to a Dutch enthusiast (no not Machiel Kalf ) who might turn up something.

Might also be worth asking Ian Grimes at Track & Classic http://www.trackandclassic.co.uk/

Andy

[Mary Lindsay]

Thanks Andy - I look forward to the results of your enquiries. I will also ask Ian.

[Barry Sumner]

Hi Mary
If I recall rightly Broadspeed firstly tuned the 850 mini when it came out with quite reasonable success before moving on the 4 cylinder ford engines again with success.
what is curious about these is that there is no oil filler and being only 1.25" deep they would not be sufficient to cover valve train assembly, so I don't think that they are rocker box covers.
what engine did you have in your S1
Barry

[Mary Lindsay]

Hi Barry,

Those are good points.

The Series 1 had most of a Coventry Climax engine (the head was missing but subsequently the late John Orton found me one and had it stove enamelled bright pink).

The Ford engine we put on the Series 1 was a 1200cc which is still in it, as Jack will confirm.

John wondered if they come from a horizontally opposed air-cooled engine.He was given them in a box of bits years ago by an aero engineer.

He has done a lot of searching on the internet but can't find any clues.

Mary

[Mary Lindsay]

We think we might have found a possibility now - it seems that something very similar was fitted to VW type 4 engine used in Porsche 912 and 914s in the 1970s.

[Barry Sumner]

Hi Mary
I think John is right, but what, perhaps an early Beetle, I think that they used a clip to secure the rocker cover (never worked or had any involvement in one) for the interesting think is that there does not appear to be any method of securing it - for it looks like the mounting holes are for mounting an axillary pipe or something.

The only other horizontally opposed engine that springs to mind is the Jowett but that uses two bolts to secure it to the engine and it was made in small numbers some time before Broadspeed where around.
Thinking cap well and truly on
Barry

[Andy Downes]

Hello Mary,

This is turning into a good one - if they are genuine period Broadspeed parts then I think they will be worth a decent amount.

It's worth getting a wider audience, I suggest posting on PistonHeads and Autosport forums, if you send me a couple of pictures I'll do it on your behalf if you wish.

It will be interesting to see what the answer is to this.

Andy

[Mary Lindsay]

Hi Andy,
Pictures on their way!
Mary

[Phill Thomas]

From the early ford v4's as used in F3?

[peter rafter]

they look like ash tray lids for 2CV!!
ps
Phil, missed your name from the Spa entry list

[Mary Lindsay]

they look like ash tray lids for 2CV!!

Peter, thank you for your technical contribution to the discussion.

I hate to be pedantic as you know but the 2CV we had did not have any ashtrays.

Additionally, they are far too large and would have reduced the bhp from around 35 to under 30 I suspect.

Although the racer managed 48bhp after we took it to the rolling road.

[Leigh Sebba]

http://mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/broadspeed.htm

Maybe of interest

In recent years the name was bought by a neighbor of mine who did sell Minis but later went into imports and general car sales

[Mary Lindsay]

Thanks Leigh, we will follow that up.

[jack bellinger]

What about side plate covers .At 1.1/4 inch high ? rocker covers a bit shallow
jack