In the 1930s, Rolls-Royce had developed one of the finest pieces of engineering ever conceived: the Merlin engine. Planners knew they had something special in the supercharged V-12 engine ...

Alongside the sleek design, the throaty roar of its Merlin engine is part of the Spitfire's appeal. The development and production of the Merlin was in large part down to Rolls-Royce chairman ...