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Cosworth model engine

Cosworth Engineering Ltd model engine - a Northampton- based automotive engineering company specialising in high-performance engines and electronics for motorsport racing automotive industries.

1967
Plastic

Cosworth Engineering Ltd is a Northampton- based automotive engineering company specialising in high-performance engines and electronics for motorsport racing automotive industries.

In 1958 Mike Costin (Cos) and Keith Duckworth (Worth) formed Cosworth Engineering Ltd to create racing engines for high performance cars. Originally based in London, the founders moved to Northampton in 1964 due to its location between the capital and Birmingham, where the majority of their customers and suppliers were based. With just 14 members of staff they initially specialised in Formula 3 engines.
The company expanded and became well known for cutting edge technology in their field, developing the DFV (Double Four Valve) engine which became the most successful Formula 1 engine of all time. In 2004, Cosworth turned their focus to work on high- performance road car engines. Today, Cosworth prides itself in developing engines on the road, racetrack and in the air and remains one of the largest employers within Northampton.

Image of The Design and Development team, Directors of Cosworth Engineering with the Ford Formula 1 engine

The Design and Development team, Directors of Cosworth Engineering with the Ford Formula 1 engine (Left to right: Bill Brown, Keith Duckworth, Mike Costin and Ben Rood), 1967. Image Courtesy of Roger Broome.

Photograph of Peter Pettitt testing a DFV Formula 1 engine at Cosworth, 1967

Photograph of Peter Pettitt testing an early development engine at Cosworth, 1960s. Peter was one of the first 14 staff members at Cosworth Engineering in 1964. Image Courtesy of Peter Pettitt

 

Postwar case, History of Northampton Galleries 2