[Corley]

How do you know the engine is missing, do you have photographic proof that someone took it? Was it ever there? Is it still gone? Did you look behind the car, maybe it just fell out on the ground? A missing engine is a serious offence, I'd call the fuzz.

Oh wait, I'm sorry, I bet you meant it was miss-firing. My bad!

I predict the problem is within 2 feet of the distributor, but I suppose it will be a loose electrical connection. Or, the condenser. Or, the points adjustment, or floating, or distributor shaft bearings. Or, a bad coil. Or, if not ignition, a restricted fuel flow. Or, a plugged carb passage. Or, water in the gas. Or. . . Just gotta work through the possibilities.

But, if the engine is actually missing, as in ' gone', well that's a whole different matter.