BBC DEVON

Daughter’s joy as hidden motorbike engine found in Kingskerswell

Jonathan Morris November 16, 2025

Jonathan MorrisSouth West

Sally Oliver The picture shows two people standing indoors. One person is wearing a dark coat with a wide collar over a light-coloured shirt. In the background, there is a wooden door, a white wall, a framed picture, and a wall-mounted light fixture. — Sally Oliver with father Peter who she believes could have hidden other items

A woman whose late father hid a motorbike engine under the floorboards decades ago has been reunited with the memento.

Mark Chard was working on pipework in Kingskerswell, Devon, when he discovered the MZ engine alongside a handwritten letter from Peter Oliver, a devoted motorcycle enthusiast.

Sally Oliver said the engine “was a piece of Dad’s spirit” would take pride of place in her home.

“I nearly fell on the floor when I heard,” said Ms Oliver who listened to a story about the discovery on BBC Radio Devon. “I had tears in my eyes.”

The MZ engine is being returned to the Oliver family

Mark Chard This picture shows a small cavity beneath a floor under floorboards, where a motorbike engine has been stored. The engine appears to be a single-cylinder unit with cooling fins. Next to it is a round metal object with a rod attached. There is also a folded piece of paper inserted into the engine fins. The surrounding area is rough concrete and brickwork. — The MZ engine is being returned to the Oliver family

Her father’s love of bikes defined his life, she said. He once qualified for the Manx TT and owned dozens of motorcycles, cars and boats.

The East German MZ engine under the floorboards was from a bike he rebuilt and rode around Devon.

Before moving house, Mr Oliver dismantled the bike and tucked the engine beneath the dining room floorboards, a secret his daughter never forgot.

“It’s been on my mind ever since dad put it down there,” she said.

“I thought someone had thrown it away.

“It brings back so many memories. It’s a piece of Dad’s spirit, hidden away and now home again.”

Peter Oliver owned dozens of motorcycles

Sally Oliver The picture shows a person sitting on a classic Honda motorcycle. The bike has a black frame with red and orange striping and chrome detailing on the exhaust and engine. The setting is an outdoor garden or yard with green grass and tall shrubs in the background. The person is wearing light shorts and trainers, and the motorcycle is parked on a paved surface. — Peter Oliver owned dozens of motorcycles

The timing made the moment even more poignant.

Ms Oliver said: “The day before Mark found the engine was the five-year anniversary of losing Dad.

“I’m a big believer they’re watching over us. I think it’s a sign.”

The engine and the letter are now making their back to her, but it might not be the last surprise.

Cars, bikes and boats were Peter Oliver’s passions

Sally Oliver The picture shows a vintage racing car on a track, captured in black and white. The car is an open-top sports racer with a sleek, aerodynamic body and prominent front wheel arches. It has the number 41 painted on the side. The driver is wearing protective gear, including a helmet and goggles, and is gripping the steering wheel while leaning into a turn. — Cars, bikes and boats were Peter Oliver’s passions

Ms Oliver believes her father could have hidden other items in the house.

Mr Chard said: “Sally told me her father replaced the flooring in the lounge and dining room.

“We’re lifting that floor after Christmas, and I’ll be looking out for any notes or markings. I’ll take pictures for her.”

He even plans to continue the tradition.

“I’ll put down all the information about the engine and something from us, maybe a copy of the letter and some media clips, and let’s see who finds it in 50 years,” he said.

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