Another one of the what seems like thousands of "A series specialists" from the 60's.
Barwell sold the usual range of 850, 998 and Cooper S tuning equipment, including
modified heads, cams and big carbs.
Their most interesting product however was a very well made and PATENTED design of
alloy cylinder head. I have recently completed the restoration of one of these heads
and have found it to be of a particularly good design and is both well made and of
excellent high quality construction. The unique combustion chamber shape looks like
it would certainly do the business for any small bore motor, but as with most of
these early alloy heads the valve spacing prevents its easy modification for use
on a big bore engine.
I have recently come across a second design of Barwell head, that pictured above.
This one is designated a "BARWELL / DERRINGTON" head and it was made to fit a 1300
/ Cooper S type engine block. As you can see from the picture above it has 11 stud
holes and the thermostat is orientated towards the front like all 1300 heads. Although
it is still machined for 997 Cooper size valves (1.1" inlets & 1" exhausts) the valve
centres are for a 1300 type engine. This is the only head of this type I have ever
come across and I am trying to find more info on it at the moment. It is certainly
a very rare beast indeed!
Any further information on this version of the Barwell / Derrington head would be
appreciated.
I
am always happy to undertake or advise on any mechanical restoration
work you may need carrying out, if you need help or more likely, advice
you can contact me via the link on the front page.