A Rolls-Royce Merlin aero engine, which propelled a number of recognizable WWII-era aircraft, is generating news as it prepares to go up for auction later this month at the Silverstone Festival in Central England. This fully operational engine, which is mounted on a trailer for demonstration purposes, enthralls audiences with its booming roar that shakes the ground as it ignites.
The 27-liter, 1,800-bhp V12 Rolls-Royce Merlin engine was developed for high-altitude operations where noise was not a concern. Its robust design and reliability led to its use not only in famous fighter aircraft like the P-51 Mustang, Spitfire, and Hawker Hurricane, but also in bombers such as the Lancaster and Mosquito, as well as armored tanks and motor torpedo boats (MTBs).
When ignited, the unmuffled engine belches flames from its nearly open exhaust ports, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle for onlookers. According to New Atlas, this trailer-mounted engine can be started anywhere, showcasing its engineering marvel. Originally leaving the Hillingdon factory near Glasgow in 1949, post-war Merlin engines powered nearly 40 aircraft applications. This particular engine was likely destined for the Canadair Northstar or the Argonaut.
Acquired in 2017 from a company owned by a Danish millionaire, the engine underwent a two-year rebuild by Flight Engineering of Leeds, a specialist in Merlin engines. It was ‘inhibited’ after inspection, coated with a grease-like fluid to prevent corrosion, preserving it for nearly 50 years. As a result, it now stands as an almost factory-fresh example, despite being nearly 75 years old, according to Iconic Auctioneers.
Developed after the onset of World War I, the Merlin engine was designed using Rolls-Royce’s extensive experience with high-output, liquid-cooled engines from the 1920s and 1930s. By 1933, the Merlin had evolved into a powerhouse, producing more horsepower per displacement than any other WWII engine. More than 58,000 Merlins were produced in the U.S. under license by Packard Motor Car Company and Continental Aircraft, with many shipped to England and used in American aircraft like the Curtiss P-40 and various P-51 models.
