Company Overview
Sherwood Engines Limited is a successful family-run business operating within the Historic Race and Rally Industry. Renowned for our commitment to quality and craftsmanship, we work in a busy yet relaxed environment where autonomy and variety are valued. Our dedicated team supports our reputation for excellence worldwide in this niche market.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Historic Engine Builder to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the rebuilding, assembly and development of high-performance historic and classic motorsport engines specialising in Ford Cosworth, BDA, BDG, Pinto, Twin Cam and Kent Crossflow.
The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of period-correct engineering techniques combined with modern precision machining standards ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and authenticity for rally, road and track applications to help keep Sherwood Engines as the market leaders.
Core Responsibilities
- Disassembly & Assessment: Methodically strip historic engines, document component conditions, measure wear tolerances, and identify crack or casting defects.
- Component Sourcing & Modification: Research and source rare, period-correct components or specify high-quality modern alternatives where necessary.
- Precision Machining: Operate manual workshop machinery to perform cylinder honing, valve guide replacement, and cylinder head resurfacing.
- Precision Assembly: Be proficient to exacting tolerances using micrometers, dial indicators, and specialised assembly tools.
- Ancillary Systems: Rebuild, set up, and calibrate period-correct fuel and ignition systems, including Weber/Dellorto carburettors and mechanical distributors.
- Testing & Tuning: Run built engines on a dynamometer (dyno) to perform break-in cycles, track performance metrics, tune setups, and troubleshoot leaks.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in precision engine building, classic vehicle restoration, or historic motorsport preparation.
- Machining Expertise: Proficient in operating manual lathes, milling machines, and dedicated engine machining equipment (CNC experience is a plus).
- Technical Knowledge: Thorough understanding of internal combustion principles, vintage metallurgy, clearance tolerances, and classic blueprinting.
- Document Literacy: Ability to read and interpret original factory workshop manuals, engineering drawings, and technical specification sheets.
- Detail-Oriented: Exceptional organisational skills with a commitment to maintaining a clean, systematic, and documented engine building environment.
Desirable Attributes
- Experience building specific historic engines relevant to our shop [e.g., Ford FIA, historic rally and sports car engines].
- Active involvement or background in historic racing, rallying, or classic car clubs.
- Welding capability (TIG/MIG) for component repair would be a plus.
What We Offer
- Salary: Competitive salary offered depending on experience.
- Benefits: Health insurance available if required and a generous holiday allowance.
- Environment: Old school workshop with unique, high-value customer engines and stock.
- Growth: Opportunities to attend historic motorsport events, races and rallies to provide track support and specialised trade shows.
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ely CB6 1PE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Proven Precision Engine Building: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
