I have just taken delivery of a '62 plate 4.4V8 Autibiography. There is no mention of a running-in period in the handbook. Are the current engines so refined that they do not require running-in? My instinct is to do as usual and not stress the engine for the first 500-1000 miles. Any thoughts among the Forum?

Modern engines really don't need, or benefit from, the old fashioned running-in regimes.

Obviously, don't rag it to death for the first couple of thousand miles, let it rev freely, and don't let it labour too much. Just drive it smoothly and calmly - I.e. good driving style anyway, and that's about it.

I personally like to change the oil after a couple of thousand miles, but the manufacturers don't feel it's essential. Cheap insurance though, just in case there is any swarf in there!

Thanks for the confirmation. It is the first time I have known a users manual not to mention the topic.

Modern engines run themselves in nowadays. They'll self restrict the top-line of the engine for the first few thousand miles and simply not let it be thrashed.

IIRC, the Td5 when it came out self limited for the first 8000 miles, then it opened up fully. I'd imagine yours will do similar. V8 or else ...