I realise that the question is not always so sweeping and that of course it should be my job to know. However when an engine that is slightly different from the norm or is a little more complex arrives totally in bits with some items missing and often some items that are nothing to do with the engine, it can be a bit challenging.
I do have something in my favour though. That is, many of the original designers travelled or influenced through many of the prestigious leading companies. W O Bentley, Tressiliyan? (excuse spelling), Rowledge, Henry, Miller, Bugatti and of course Henry Royce are to name but a few.
Each of these often have their distinct areas or distinct methods that have been copied and reflected through the engines of the period that I specialise in.
Below is a Lagonda V12 engine that I rebuilt many years ago, it is said to be a prototype or pre production engine. As usual it arrived in bits, but there before me is the design of W.O Bentley and perhaps a little Tressilyan valve design etc.And as so often all very elegant.
