Napier Type 23A 45HP, 1908 Type 23A 45HP Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

Specifications

Montague Napier was the head of the precision engineering firm, D. Napier & Son that had been in business since 1908 and located in Lambeth, South London. In 1900, Napier formed an agreement with Francis Edge for exclusive rights to sell all of the firm's motorcars they produced. To increase publicity, the cars were demonstrated in many racing events, various competitions, and endurance challenges. One of the more prominent challenges of the early 1900s was the Gordon Bennett Trophy race, which was run annually with each competing car representing their country of origin. Edge won the Trophy in 1902 making it the first British automobile racing triumph.

The success at the Gordon Bennett Trophy race surged demand for the Napier/Edge vehicles, and large production factories were quickly ascertained to help keep-up with demand. The new facility was located at Acton, West London.

A six-cylinder version was introduced in 1904, though not the first to create a powerplant of this six, it was the first to make a six-cylinder engine a commercial success.

In 1907 Edge set his sights on capturing the World's 24-hour speed record. A team of three Napier 60hp cars were brought to Brooklands track and averaged 65.9 mph and set the record which would last for eighteen years. The two other cars averaged 64.1 and 63.5 mph.

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Touring Car
Chassis Num: 4234
Engine Num: 3347
Vin Num: UK Reg #: LB 5500

This 1908 Napier 45 Horsepower Type 23A Seven Seater Touring Car was offered for sale at the 2007 Christie's Auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' This is a very rare and unique automobile, formerly in the care of Rod Blood, the President of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America from 1942 - 1944. It is powered by a 377 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine and has a three-speed plus reverse transmission. The chassis has a wheelbase that measures 11 feet and 2 inches. When new, it sold for 915 British Pounds.

The Type 23A was introduced near the close of 1908. Its predecessor, the 40HP car, had a square engine, meaning that its bore and stroke were both 4-inches. An extra inch to the stroke provided an additional five horsepower and more torque at low speeds.

This example shown was one of the earliest Type 23A's constructed. Little is known of its early life; the body appears to be a factory touring body. It is believed to have been directly exported to the United States. In the 1960s the car returned to England and into the collection of a European resident.

This car is mostly original and in good condition. The seat leather has been replaced, the paint is believed to have been refurbished, and the full-length canopy top has been replaced. The car has Lucas King of the Road headlights, Wynford scuttle mounted side and twin Lucas tail lights, a bulb horn, running board mounted spare, and various brightwork with nickel finish. The Napier Sparkplugs are original to the car and still in working condition.

At auction this car was estimated to sell for $400,000 - $500,000. It was among the more rare and intriguing cars of the auction, and it shattered the estimates by selling for $682,000 including buyers premium.

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