No long speech as to why...

 All I will say is that any engine that sounds that good has to be the best of all time, you can hear it now cant you?

Even the Americans licence built it  

I rest my case 

Yes, without doubt a great reciprocating powerplant. It would be verging on heresy to denigrate it in any way. However, I beg to proffer another engine as the best ever (I presume this area is divided into two sectors; piston and gas-turbine?)

I propose the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 twin-row radial series. I believe this motor to have reached pretty well the peak of sensible and practical development. The R-1830 was very good indeed, but its big brother, the 2800 is better.

Just look at the range of types it powered. eg; Corsair, Hellcat, Thunderbolt, DC-6 and so many others. Few, if any engines have been so successful and reliable in BOTH fighters, bombers and civil transports. Very compact, quite simple, very reliable and it could accept a lot of battle damage and keep reciprocating.

I say BRTs rule!  (Big Round Thingys). 

yes i can hear it now...........maybe i should not live near Duxford!

all i can say about it is that when you hear one going full pelt its the sound of freedom. nuff said.