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1910 Napier 15hp Colonial Model 'Roi de Belges' Tourer.…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
3-May-2009
Lot No.
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Description:
1910 Napier 15hp Colonial Model 'Roi de Belges' Tourer. Registration No. Tbc. Chassis No. Tbc. Engine No. Tbc. Best known for its highly successful World War I aero engines, the precision engineering firm of D Napier & Son, of Lambeth was first established in 1808. Headed by Montague Napier, the company turned to automobile manufacture at the turn of the 19th century, swiftly forging a formidable reputation thanks to the racing and record breaking exploits of its sole distributor, S F Edge. The company manufactured a diverse range of engine types before introducing the world's first commercially successful six in 1904 and moving into the luxury car market. Outclassed by Rolls-Royce's Silver Ghost, Napier's larger models faded away after 1911, to be replaced by more modest offerings. Developed from an earlier 15hp model launched in 1907 as a more affordable foil to the huge sixes that had established Napier's reputation, the four-cylinder 15hp introduced at Olympia in 1910 was the company's most successful model. 'A sturdy car without frills,' it cost £350 in chassis form, to which Napier's own four-seater bodywork added an extra £80 (plus an extra £7 for the windscreen). The 15hp Colonial model was produced especially for those countries where rough roads prevailed, featuring raised suspension, larger wheels and an engine installed 'back to front' so that the large flywheel was protected by the front axle. As the flywheel rotated in the opposite direction to other Napiers, it was dubbed the 'anti-clockwise' model. This particular Napier was bodied by Trevethans' Toowoomba Coach Works, established by Thomas Trevethan in 1863. After his death, his sons Thomas and Walter Trevethan carried on the business and began experimenting with motors, making Queensland's first locally built car in 1901-2 using a 7hp De Dion engine. The first car imported by their company was a Star. The brothers also secured the Napier agency and began constructing their own bodies on the imported chassis, as well as selling fully finished cars. At a time when American cars with wide track and good ground clearance were starting to make an impact on the Australian market (the Model T Ford was available already) the Napier represented the British response to the challenges of motoring in Australia and was a considerable success. During October 1912 Walter Trevethan set a record of 3 hours 7 minutes driving from Brisbane to Toowoomba, demonstrating the Napier's suitability for Australia's country roads. This 1910 Napier represents a combination of one of the United Kingdom's finest motor car marques and a body built by one of Australia's pioneering motor industry companies. It was owned for many years by Mr Frank Illich, of New South Wales and was displayed in the George Green Museum and motorcade following its opening in the early 1970s. The car was purchased at an auction in Canberra in November 1980 for display at the York Motor Museum.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Motor Vehicles: Motor Cars