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The Villiers Marvil is an air cooled two-cycle engine. It was introduced in 1933 and derived its name from the first three letters of the founder’s name MAR(ston) and the first three letters of the company name VIL(liers).  It is a small power unit with a bore and stroke measuring 2in by 1.1/2in and developed its rated 0.6bhp at 1,750rpm. At the outset, starting was achieved by a spring return strap starter. Later, a foot pedal and hand lever starting was offered.

One of the more notable uses of the Marvil engine was on the Pygmylite generating unit, which weighed just 56lb. Coupled to a CAV three-brush shunt wound generator, the Pygmylite unit was designed for battery charging and/or illuminating a small number of low power lamps.  Other uses for this engine have been powering hedge-trimmers and pumping water.

Aound 1935, Villiers supplied a number of Pygmylite units to the Associated Manufacturers Company (London) Limited, who then marketed them under the Amanco name.

This early Marvil engine had the Serial Number 172. It is shown mounted on a trolley ready for showing. The exhaust and pulley are not original.

Later model Marvil before restoration. Fitted with original exhaust and strap recoil starter. The engine will not run at this stage.

End view showing cylinder head and exhaust

Flywheel removed. New points and coil fitted.  Earlier back plate on the right shows the different points housings. No governor fitted to points on the right.

New project. This Marvil engine was used by the South East Water Board, connected to a water pump.  The engine is a non-runner.

This is what happened to the engine during courier transit after having new crankshaft seals made and fitted.

End view showing enclosed carburettor

Flywheel with cover removed

Restored engine shown running at a show. This engine has now had the earlier carburettor fitted.

View showing the engine mounted on a portable carry frame.  It came with the two sets of pulleys. The Hand Lever start is original.

Engine shown in various views after restoration. Coil, points, condensor, plug and HT lead replaced. Old paint work stripped back to bare metal - Original colour found to be Red. Engine is ready for fitting to a trolley and showing.

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