The Old Lawnmower Club
Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers
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New member Ransomes Marquis advice

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Haywood Tue, 19/07/2022

Hi All

Yes new here, have general interest in all sorts of engines and powered machinery. Have just recently decided to give up my long association with classic sports car, as I wasn't enjoying crawling around under car anymore. 

So I am looking for some advice. I've decided I would like to acquire a Ransomes Marquis with the Villiers F12 sloper engine. My problem is identifying the different models. I notice that some have the engine cylinder in the usual upright position while others or on an angle, are these by any chance the F12 sloper models or is that not where the name comes from.

Thanks. 

Cameron. 

Forums

wristpin Tue, 19/07/2022

The classic Marquis comes in two sizes - 18 & 20” and has the Villiers F12 four stroke engine , known as the Sloper, with an Amal carburettor and points ignition. Later machines have the Villiers A15 , a development of the F12, some with electronic ignition and a Villiers carburettor . There are a few around with Dellorto carburettors and an improved crankcase breather system. There are some minor variations are denoted by Mk numbers.  The final version of the Marquis had a Briggs and Stratton engine which was never really suited to the machine ( personal opinion!! )

The forerunner to the Marquis (it’s name escapes me in this weather! )  used the same basic chassis but had a Villiers Mk7 or 10 engine with a vertical cylinder.