Compression Ignition Engines for Road Vehicles – First Edition (c.1933–36)
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A rare early diesel-engine manual by the Editor of The Commercial Motor, published by Temple Press Ltd, London.
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🛠️ Product Description
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Step back into the pioneering days of British commercial transport with this first edition copy of Compression Ignition Engines for Road Vehicles, published by Temple Press Ltd in the early-to-mid 1930s. This authoritative manual — written by the editor of The Commercial Motor — was produced at the very moment diesel technology was transforming lorries, buses and heavy road vehicles across Britain.
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Beautifully technical, wonderfully period, and full of original trade advertisements, this volume captures the excitement and innovation of the early diesel age. From Karrier Motors and Armstrong-Saurer to Shell-Mex & BP, every page reflects a world rapidly shifting from petrol to “heavy oil” engines.
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Inside you’ll find 11 detailed chapters covering combustion principles, engine construction, fuel injection systems, lubricants, running costs, and maintenance — alongside an impressive fold-out schedule of engine specifications, which is still intact (a rarity, as these were often lost or torn in use).
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This copy shows gentle signs of age and honest use, but remains complete, solid, and richly atmospheric. A handwritten name on the endpaper adds provenance and charm, while the iconic brown and mustard illustrated cover retains its 1930s character in full.
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Whether you’re an enthusiast of vintage commercial vehicles, a collector of motoring manuals, or simply someone who loves objects that whisper history, this early diesel-engine guide is a fascinating and increasingly scarce survivor from the golden era of British engineering.
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📖 Key Features
First Edition, c.1933–36
Published by Temple Press Ltd, London EC1
Written by the Editor of The Commercial Motor
Original price: 2/6 net (printed on cover)
Includes rare fold-out oil-engine specification table
Packed with period advertisements (Karrier, Shell-Mex & BP, Armstrong-Saurer, etc.)
11 comprehensive chapters on early diesel technology
Original illustrated cover with 1930s design
Name to endpaper
A fantastic research resource and collector’s piece
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📐 Condition
Structurally sound with expected age-related wear to the boards
Binding secure
Pages clean with warm vintage tone
Fold-out table complete and untorn
Endpaper name present
Back cover advertisement crisp and legible
A wonderfully preserved example for a book that was typically heavily used in workshops and fleet depots.
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🎁 Ideal For
Vintage motoring collectors
Diesel engineering enthusiasts
Anyone interested in British commercial transport history
Decor pieces for garages, workshops, classic vehicle displays
Gifts for classic lorry or bus lovers