Engine What is it worth

[ragtop]

Hi, I have scrapped a spitfire MK 4 recently, I have the complete engine/gearbox minus carbs sitting in the front bit of chassis with suspension etc. I have just checked the engine number & it's a Toledo 1500 Export reconditioned unit DM603 ESS see the link
http://www.triumphspitfire.com/enginenumbers.html
So now I ask what's it worth, Is it a rarity

[cliftyhanger]

Possibly a little unusual, but certainly doesn't increase the value.
The important part will be if it is in good running order, any proof of recent work etc? or video footage of it running. Likewise the gearbox, non-od stuff used to have almost no value, today if a known/proven good one maybe £50. The engine, I have no idea.

[captain_70s]

Depending on condition I'd say £200-500?

It's my understanding they're the same mechanically as the 1500 in the UK market cars. Certainly an oddity, but probably worth less than a Mk4 Spitfire 1300 unit! Even if somebody is desperate for a matching engine for an export Toledo I imagine the fact it's a factory recon unit would put them off...

[Carledo]

DM, if followed by ESS is just a factory 1500 for any application. (Spit, Dolly or Midget)

It's my understanding (standing waiver for urban myth) that the ESS engines were line engines that for some reason failed even BL's lackadaisical quality control. They were pulled from the line and given a 10 thou bore and grind and sold as recons. Which, in a sense, they were! There's no more stigma attached to an ESS motor than any other engine out there. I've had maybe a handfull of ESS engines go through my hands in various shapes and capacities. Most of them were fine. One was truly outstanding, but that was probably a fluke!

As to a value, it's not really possible to say, it all depends on the condition of the internals. If it can be heard running and sounds good that may enhance it's desirability a bit. But if it turns freely and appears to have compression, about £100 is a good starting point.

Steve