Oselli and the MG Midget A-Series Engine

Oselli started in 1962 as Oxford Engine Services (OES), specialising in the tuning and enhancing the performance of MG and other BMC products. The Mini engine was the main product, with work done on porting and gas flow of cylinder heads, fitting larger valves, and increasing engine capacity. Gradually the firm branched out into performance enhancements for other BMC, Triumph and Austin Healey engines.

The moniker Oselli was coined to give the firm a go-fast Italian sounding name. The business now catered for a  stable of marques that included Ford and Vauxhall engines. Success with tuned Mini Coopers and Ford Escort Mexicos kept Oselli at the forefront of motor sport during the 1970s, but times became more difficult during the late-1980s and 1990s. Oselli cut back and focussed on classic and sports car sales, whilst retaining its engineering know-how.

Today Oselli continues to sell classic and sports cars from Witney, near Oxford, carries out vehicle service and restoration work, and maintains its engineering facility.

Oselli has earned a reputation for its tuned A Series engines for use in the Mini, MG Midget, Austin Healey Sprite, and Morris Minor. “Stage Two” modifications to the 1275cc unit are most popular, with capacity increased to 1293cc or 1380cc, with noticeable increases in performance and torque. Rotating parts are lightened and balanced, flywheels and clutches; oil pumps are modified for high pressure, high output specification. The ultimate road use specification is the 1400cc fast road “Stage Three” engine, balanced with clutch and lightened flywheel. “Stage Four” is for completion use… but that's another story!

“JNK” has a 1293cc Oselli Stage Two engine, resplendent with an Oselli polished alloy rocker cover! The full specification isn’t clear yet, but I’ll report back on the detailed equipment (camshaft etc) soon, together with a more detailed review of performance.

Visit the Oselli website at: http://www.oselli.com/