what engine is this

Neat find, I have no idea what it is though. Can you provide a link to these classifieds?

Here is some info on early engines. Maybe it is an industrial engine of some kind?

http://www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk/menotti11.htm

 

I think this is actually a Bugatti Brescia motor. Given the year, they specs are right (sohc 16v 4 cylinder). Maybe it is even a T 26.

http://www.bugattipage.com/jacob/type/13-22-23.html

Edit, I noticed that page says they were made under license by Diatto so that could be a connection.

 

All T26`s had 8-cyl.-engines and was the basic design for DIATTO by Alfieri Maserati !Maseratis 4-cyl.-engines came later and had then nothing to do with DIATTO.

Ciao!
Walter

 

I meant T26 Bugatti (ie Brescia). If the seller claims it is a "Maserati", it could be because one of the Maserati brothers worked for Diatto before founding Maserati. Apparently Diatto built the Bugatti Brescia under license. So I think it goes like this Bugatti Brescia => Diatto => "Maserati".