Some of the UK’s best-known engine dealers pitted their wits against each other yesterday at the PBO Engine Race.

Dealers from Caterpillar, Volvo Penta, Barrus and Nanni Diesel took time out from their stands at the London Boat Show for the ultimate showdown. Donned in white overalls, the teams of two raced each other at a series of tasks including changing the fanbelt, impeller and filter.

It was a closely fought battle, from which competitors emerged breathless, with beads of sweat gathered on their foreheads. Two teams were penalised for failing to switch off the engine before they started (though no engines were actually running), leaving Nanni Diesel the clear winners with a time of 2 minutes and 26 seconds.

The pair, Andrew Peachment and Brian Dempsey, attributed their success to planning and years of experience. ‘It was a good laugh for all the competitors,’ they said. ‘All the same it was a real man-thing. Do or die – nobody wanted to lose!’

Click here to watch some engine race footage filmed on the first day of the show