FOR SALE
The Alvis Leonides was developed in 1936 and in production until 1966. It was Britain's last high-power production piston aero engine.
It was a nine cylinder supercharged air cooled radial engine with a power output of up to 640 bhp and was used for various aircraft and helicopters - military and civil. And it powered the first commercial hovercraft (Saunders Roe N1).
Perhaps not as celebrated as the big Rolls-Royce or Bristol engines, but still an iconic engine.
But what drew us to this pair of cylinders was their history, sinister beauty and engineering excellence. And the way that the inlet and exhaust ports "look" at you.
They just had to beautifully refurbished and fitted with LED lights and filters.
Photos don't really do them justice, but when lit up in a darkened room the effect is even more amazing. It's not just about the metal - there's a real sci-fi aurora with these lamps. Magnificent !
Custom-turned sycamore base
Stainless steel fasteners throughout
Cooling fins in perfect condition
Satin black finish
Filter colour can be changed
We reckon these are at their best as a pair - bracketing whatever sits between them.
The Leonides sales book is dated 1949 and contains masses of engine details and applications. Circa 30 pages, including fold-out details.
These are more than just iconic aero cylinders - they are art.
Beautifully presented and not at the inflated cost that an upmarket gallery would be asking......
Price (pair) £POA
(including Alvis sales booklet - see above)
VAT not applicable
Customised cabling, carriage details etc. to be agreed prior to sale
In The Pipeline.....
We thought the "Leonides Twins", would be interested in another resident that had spent far too long gathering dust under the Retro3a bench,
It's a cylinder from a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp aero engine.
14 cylinders, air cooled, super/turbocharged, 30 litres.
As used in the likes of the DC3 Douglas Dakota and B24 Liberator.
We intend to refurbish it and restore it to the original silver finish, add the correct black rocker covers and illuminated "eyes".
Work has already started......
The base of the cylinder has code details on the outside and we don't really want to hide that history. We currently think that a wooden base as used on the Leonides may not look right - and that a thinner stainless steel or alloy base may look better.
But if you're interested, let us know and we would customise to your bespoke requirements,,,,,,,
£POA
