Oselli Engineering

About

Oselli has a long and proud history in the classic car sector. It all started in 1962 when David Oldham and Dudley Gliddon, who were both apprentices at BMC, decided to raise a bit of extra money modifying and gas flowing cylinder heads in their spare time. Over time the business, known as Oxford Engine Services grew followed by a move to a small garage in Wheatley, Oxfordshire.

Oselli became leaders in the development and modification of racing engines. It had many successes in the league tables for both the Mini 7 and the Mini Miglia Series. Due to this success, the Oselli name was created and believed to be more appropriate to Motorsport: it was a derivative of Oxford Engine Services (OES or OSE), with an Italian ring to it (lli).

Oselli had a series of moves over the years from Wheatley to Baynards Green, where the Oscar formula Ford car was built. Moves to Eynsham, Oxford, Witney, and now of Great Horwood in Milton Keynes., all followed.

Big changes took place for in 1993, in which David Oldham retired, selling the business to Barry Coombes. Barry then approached David Eales to offer him a position of Managing Director in early 1994.

David previously worked alongside Oselli back in the 1980’s when they assisted in the development and engineering of the Aston Martin engines. David had had a long and distinguished career at Aston Martin having worked his way up through the ranks to finally being Service Manager and worldwide troubleshooter. Eventually, Barry decided to sell his share of the business. Leaving David Eales in full control. Oselli expanded further to incorporate classis car servicing, sales and restoration, and a Motorsport Division.

Initially Oselli Motorsport was set up to accommodate David’s son who had a keen interest in competing, firstly with an MGB GT, then onto MGB Roadsters and an MGA Twin cam.

Due to winning various Championships, Oselli Motorsport gained notoriety at the circuits, and the company diversified into client car management. This includes transporting clients’ vehicles to various circuits preparing vehicles for racing events, carrying out repairs, and fully supporting the client’s needs at the events.

The new, and current premises in Great Horwood consists of a large showroom, a rolling road, an engine build department, dyno room, performance engineering, two vehicle workshops, storage facilities plus our Oselli Motorsport Division.

Celebrating its 60th year in 2022, Oselli is a truly iconic name in the performance engineering, classic car, and motor racing world, and still growing.