I've just googled this, Bob ...
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0596.htm In 1955 the Mark 9E engine was offered. This had a smoother outer appearance and was used as a pattern for future developments. It was made available in either sports or trials trim, the trials model having a heavier flywheel to give smoother torque at low speeds. A compression ratio of 8.25:1 was used, a caged roller bearing big end with 9 steel rollers and a special ignition coil with a cam which gave a longer dwell in the closing of the contact breaker points. Trials engines were fitted with a gearbox giving wide ratios and the sports, or scrambles engine standard ones. A number of different specifications were offered for kart engines and a standard model fitted with turbo cooling fan and a choice of either kickstart or electric start for use in scooters was also available. The electric starter used in Villiers engines was the Siba Dynastart which used a 12 volt system. The reverse mechanism used the fact that a two stroke engine runs just as efficiently in reverse as forward and fitted a switch which stopped the engine and then restarted it in reverse. Engines fitted with electric starter, fan cooling and reverse gears are noted by the additions of S, F and R after the Mark coding e.g. 9E/3SFR is a 9E engine fitted with a 3 speed gear, a starter, fan cooling and reverse gear.
The 10E, which had a cylinder in an upright position and the 11E, which was a slimmer version for use in scooters were both introduced in the latter years of the decade. The 9E was produced until 1967, the last year of Villiers as an independent company. It had certainly been a success.
Ooo! Your name has come up in a lovely shade of blue.
