Carburettors are the heart of any classic car (at least for now!). They have been an integral part of the automotive industry, in Europe but not only. These mechanical devices blend air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It’s a critical function that can greatly affect the performance, efficiency, and overall health of an engine. There are/ have been lots of carburettor manufacturers and here are some of the most iconic European carburettor manufacturers and their unique features.
Solex Carburettors
Solex, created in 1905, is a French manufacturer that has left an indelible mark on the carburettor industry. Their carburettors were used by many European automotive companies including Rolls-Royce Motors, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and even Porsche. They were also licensed to Japanese maker Mikuni. Nowadays, the Solex brand is owned by Magneti Marelli. Some of the emblematic models of Solex carburettors include the Solex 40 PII-4 installed on Porsche 356, the Solex 32 PBIC installed on Citroen Traction 11CV or the smaller Solex 26 BCI/CBI installed on the early Citroen 2CV.
Weber Carburettors
Weber, an Italian manufacturer, is another big name in the carburettor industry. Known for their superior performance and durability, Weber carburettors have been widely used in various European cars such as Matra, FIAT and even Ferrari. Weber has produced a variety of models over the years, including the Weber 32/36 DGV initially fitted on the 1972 Ford Escort Mexico (a fun and fast car!) and still a popular choice for many classic car and racing enthusiasts.
Dell’Orto Carburettors
Dell’Orto, another Italian manufacturer, has been producing carburettors for cars and motorcycles. Their carburettors are known for their high quality and performance. Dell’Orto carburettors have been fitted to most Italian motorcycles since the 1950s, and have been used on many World Championship winning engines from Trials to Speedway.
SU Carburettors
SU Carburettors are widely used on British Commonwealth and European-designed vehicles. They have been one of Europe’s leading suppliers of carburettors, fuel pumps, and parts. SU carburettors have been used in many British classics like Jaguar, Triumph, MG, Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Morris, Austin, Sunbeam and so many more. SU Carburettors are found in single, double and even triple configuration. Despite being technical systems, SU have managed to give their carburettors a pretty appealing design.
Bing Carburettors
Bing, a German manufacturer, has been producing carburettors for various applications such as motorcycles (BMW), mopeds, boats and even chainsaws or jackhammers. Their carburettors are known for their reliability and performance. Bing has been producing carburettors for motorcycles from 50 cc to over 1000 cc for more than 70 years.
Final words
Understanding the intricacies of these European carburettors is not just about knowing their names, of course. At The Knowledgeable Frenchman ltd, we do appreciate the craftsmanship that went into their design and the critical role they play in bringing classic cars – but not only cars – to life. These European carburettor manufacturers have shaped the automotive industry and continue to influence the classic car restoration market today.
