There are obvious reasons why we see a higher ratio of small engines at a rally because of the issues surrounding transport. Also those that don't see the light of day from surveying the collections shown in SE mag are generally weighted to small engines for similar reasons, space etc... I was wondering though what the ratio of engines when in production small vs large was like. A good example that comes to mind is the Petter S. At a rally you would often expect to see a 6 or 9hp engine. The well known 18/21 once owned by D Edgington makes regular appearances but that is pretty much it. I have yet to go to a rally and see a 12/14 and more to the point examples of all the singles together not even considering the twin cylinder or lightweight models. Is this just because there are less in preservation or that remain unseen? Or is it that the ratio of small to large produced is to some extent reflected in what we see.
I have my own views on this but without having access to old records or a register of those surviving cannot reach a definitive conclusion. Perhaps people on the group would like to give their views and then at some point I will throw my hat in. For now though I would like to hear some ideas.Also I think we need to try and think beyond the giant examples and think right accross the range of engines produced.
John