Hi Corduroy,
Unbelievable !!!!!
Now I can say I've seen it all and can sleep peacefully tonight.
I've never seen such an attempt at bypassing a clutch assembly. It's a bit like welding a diff up for a skid pig.
Well enough of the shocks, so what you have is an early 1990's Rover Red. I'd say the engine is still the original unit but can now be rendered useless after you cut it free from the transfer shaft as it's crank is totally mutilated.
I guess my next question to you is, what is your ultimate goal with this mower ?
Only then can I advise you on the next step.
Cheers,
BB.
PS. Jack can you please put these photos in the "do not release as advise" file LOL !!