Oliver buys Dibnah’s famous traction engine

FRED Dibnah’s famous steam powered traction engine has been bought at auction by engineering entrepreneur Michael Oliver.

The motoring enthusiast, whose Knutsford-based Oliver Valves designs and builds components for oil and gas firms, paid £264,000 – more than twice the guide price – for the 1912 Aveling and Porter engine.

Mr Dibnah bought the machine in 1979 and spent nearly 25 years restoring it. It was used to pull his coffin at his funeral in 2004.

Mr Oliver said: “Fred Dibnah is a cult figure and national institution – it is vital that his engineering genius and his priceless contribution to our cultural heritage continues to be celebrated for years to come.

“We are also already planning outings at steam shows, so the thousands of steam enthusiasts and Fred Dibnah fans – and their children – can continue to enjoy this iconic machine.”

Oliver Valves was established by Mr Oliver in 1979 and now employs 250 staff and operates in 50 countries.