Lancia Motor Club

Hello all,

I have acquired an Scintilla "Vertex" Magneto from an old gentleman in Norway.
He says its been used on an Aurelia racer back in the day.

Some lose wires etc. inside, but it looks tidy enough.
Does anybody here have any information or experience with the Scintilla?

I´ll upload some photos in the next post.
Best regards
Torstein

Some photos

The stamp on the body reads NV6 - 546335

How does it work and what does it replace?

I am very new to this, but as I understand it replaces the distributor & coil.
Its magneto creates a spark.
Can be a little bit harder to start, but once its up and running it goes forever!

And...it looks great, right?

Looks great yes, would it fit under a standard bonnet?
  Richard

Yes, I believe so.
The carb with air filter is slightly taller
We’ll see when I get the heads back from machining

Heres an Aurelia with a Scintilla Vertex

https://car-from-uk.com/sale.php?id=27472

and another one!

A magneto in an automotive application is also the distributor but it generates the current for the spark inside the unit itself so making it independent of the rest of the electrical systems in the car.

I used Scintilla Vertex magnetos for most of the 20-odd years I was racing an ERA, but I must admit I used to get them serviced by an expert. Remember the "ignition" wiring will be different, as the single non-HT lead goes to an earthing switch to kill the mag, not a power switch to enliven it.
Specialists will overhaul them as they are still an ignition system of choice, especially on prewar cars and among the Historic racing fraternity. Big American V8 use ensures they are still manufactured in the USA by Ronco (blue plastic caps).
Very powerful spark,  assuming good condition. If you connect yourself inadvertently to the HT side you will be quite surprised at how high you jump.
I have got a Scintilla Vertex to fit to my Aprilia when it is done, as they were an aftermarket accessory when the cars were new, and could possibly be fitted as an option. And I like them. Oddly enough, the Aprilia advance curve is exactly the same as the Porsche 356 for which my mag was originally supplied.

Good information Tony, thank you!
Do you have contact information for any of the specialists?
I think I might need specialist help on this one:)

I would go to Karl Kenney at Vintage Magnetos at Bicester Heritage

Address: Building 94, The Western Tanker Sheds, Bicester Heritage

Phone: 07474 027581

Email: rfuffa@aol.com

Website: https://twitter.com/vmagnetos?lang=en

Thank you Tony!

Difficult starting? Presumably the coil ignition system overcame any disadvantages of a magneto.
  Also are these magnetos adjustable for differing applications and is a battery still necessary?
 
  Richard

A battery is needed for the starter motor and lights etc, but if you run a Racecar with no extras, you can do without a battery- start the engine with a crank handle 😎👍

I have not heard from Karl, but a company named Armoto has offered to have a look at the Magneto.
Have you had any experience with them Tony?

Regards
Torstein

I  used them to repair the Bosch starter motor on my Lambda.

I did return it, but in fairness their work had been compromised by failing to understand my instructions not to fully restore it. When it came back the second time I was happy and it still works fine several years later.

Tony

Thank you Tony!