Compression Ignition Engines for Road Vehicles – First Edition (c.1933–36)

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