From the catalogue we read: 3-1/8 in. bore, 5in. stroke. Displacement, 230 cub. ins. Fitted with special exhaust manifold and bell housing to slip straight in position; equipped with high tension magneto with impulse coupling, carburettor, water circulating pump, etc. So far so good, now here comes the really interesting bit! A few pounds spent on labour and minor fittings will give you a new 6-cylinder power unit for your Fordson tractor.
I wonder did they supply engineering drawings of the parts needed? Was the front of the engine block strong enough to support the axle mounting and radiator? It looks like they supplied a radius rod mounting at the back of the sump. New radius rod needed, of course.
Invincible Motors were established in 1906 as a division of Morts Dock & Engineering Co Ltd, Sydney. Their main business was marine engines, from one to four cylinders. By the 1920’s they started including American components in their engines and by about 1930 the Australian content was gone.
There was also a branch in Chicago, USA. The firm later became a wholesale automotive and machinery parts supplier. A lot of their stock was out-dated and looked to be from bankrupt sales, etc. Their catalogues make fascinating reading.
The Fordson engine is a Rutenber, used by some American car and truck makers. The locally famous one was the Australian Six of the 1920’s. There was not a lot of these cars built before they went broke, and I wouldn’t mind betting (except that I don’t gamble!) that these engines were left overs from that car.
Eric
