Sold October 2001 Back to Archive

A well-made Stuart Sirius, twin-cylinder enclosed crankcase engine. Designed in the 1930s by Stuart’s as a small utility engine rather than a model, many were coupled to dynamos pre-war to make workshop lighting sets. Developing ½ hp at 100psi, the Sirius runs at high speed with a most distinctive “purring” exhaust note.

During the war the engine found use in a small portable 24 volt generator set for operating military radio sets – a small metal case contained the engine, dynamo and solid-fuel fired boiler.

In the 1950s, the engine found a new niche in the field of model powerboat racing. With its high-revving power characteristics and good power-to-weight ratio, the engine made an ideal power plant for larger boats.

This engine is one of the best examples we have had. It runs very well, has the extended sump with dipstick incorporated and is nicely painted.