Barford and Perkins Motor Roller

Barford and Perkins E3S Tandem Roller

We are pleased to advertise for sale this extremely rare and early motor roller. One of only three “E-Types” listed in the R.R.A. Motor roller registered it is believed to be the only example to survive with its original Dorman Engine.

Ordered by Cambridge Corporation on 10th October 1919 with the extras of front and rear sprinklers, canopy and rear wooden box for extra ballast, the roller cost £382 and was collected from Peterborough Station after being transported by rail. It worked alongside the Corporations two Aveling steam rollers, both of which have also survived into preservation. All 3 rollers were road registered in December 1921 and a buff continuation logbook and the V5 are included showing the original registration number CE9186.

The roller was purchased by the current owner in 1996 and restoration began. The Dorman J2O petrol/parafin engine has been rebuilt with many new parts, on completion in around 1999 it was run for a short period for testing. Although not run since it turns over freely and has been stored correctly so should require minimum recommission to get going again. Restoration came to halt with the arrival of a steam engine into the yard and since has been safely dry stored. There is still plenty of work to be done to complete the restoration however it is at the exciting stage where bits are bolted on as they are refurbished. Once completed the roller weighs just under 7 tons.

For more information on this rare and interesting machine please do not hesitate to contact us.