Engine ID?

[tapkaJohnD]

A friend has this in his collection of photos, with no information about it.

I think that the picture on the wall behind shows the same engine installed in a classic VW Beetle. Can anyone ID the engine, which is twin-cam with a distinctive, common entry for the spark leads which must have made them prone to misfiring.
Anyone who can ID the lady gets a bonus biscuit!



Thanks!
John

[Gus Kenny]

Another photo may help with the ID.

[Roy C]

It looks more like a Renault 4CV than a VW Beetle.

[tapkaJohnD]

Thnak you, Roy. it is rather Renault 4CV and that had a logitudinal engine so presumably an easier swap!

[Turbobanana]

Looks like one of Roger Boudot's twin cam heads.

[tapkaJohnD]

Gosh! The Common Room of PistonHeads University has leading experts in every marque, free with their advice and knowledge!
Thank you!

I was able to find a diagram on https://www.aronline.co.uk/opinion/essay-bmc-vs-re... that shows the same spark lead entry and cam covers. I think we have a positive engine ID, but the lady must remain a mystery, of course!

My informers will know this, but Renault's Billancourt engine, designed during WW2 was their leading motor until the '80s. It could only be expanded from 600 to 800 cc or so, and many amde attempts at increasing power in other ways. Boudot's was perhaps the most extreme.
See the Wiki article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Billancourt_...

My thanks to those who pointed me in the correct direction!

John