Shackleton bomber engines

Seven Rolls-Royce Griffon engines, used in RAF bombers, will go under the hammer with Cheffins. Sold on behalf of Kevan Whittingham, from Team Whittingham, the British champion tractor pullers, the engines have been collected over a number of years, one of which has never been used and could sell for in excess of £70,000.

The engines, which measure on average 10ft long and 4ft wide, have over 2,500hp and weigh over 1t each. The engines were fitted to Shackleton bomber planes which stayed in service with the Ministry of Defence from 1949 until 1991, after replacing the wartime Lancaster bomber.

Those available in the sale include five Rolls-Royce Griffon Mk.58 V12 engines, with varying hours on the clock. One of these examples comes in its original packing case, mounting stand and Rolls-Royce cover and is completely brand new, with no flying hours on the clock. The Mk.58 versions have estimates from £20,000 to £70,000. The highest value engine on offer is a Rolls-Royce Griffon Mk.58 V12 which is still in its original packing case, has never been used and could achieve in excess of £70,000. Also available is a Rolls-Royce Griffon 5900 V12 engine, estimate £10,000, and a Rolls-Royce Griffon Mk.101

V12 which has an estimate of £20,000. Also available in the sale are a number of Shackleton propellors, Rolls-Royce cylinder banks, Rotax starters, magnetos, engine valves, bearings in original boxed condition and various other spares.

The sale will take place online at www.cheffins.co.uk from 11 December until 18 December, with a viewing day for the lots on Friday 12 December, near Preston, Lancashire.

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