1912 Napier 15.9HP Type ‘T55’ Heavy Colonial Open Tourer
Registration No. DS7149
Chassis No. 10768
Engine No. 18892
VCC Dating Certificate No. 1687
Four Cylinder, 2684CC, original body by Cunard. Bosch dual ignition, 3 speed gearbox.
£55,000
Best known for its highly successful WWI 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.
Developed from an earlier 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 Colonial Napier has a very interesting history that we can trace back to day one. The car was sold and exported new to Australia in early 1912 and was used to run the Post from Adelaide to Broken Hill for 12 years in all seasons until 1924. At this point it was purchased by a significant motoring family, The Simms. Mrs Simms used the car extensively for touring Western Australia for sheep judging competitions. Upon the death of Mrs Simms, the car was purchased by a prominent VCC member, a Mr Field also of Australia. The car was brought to the UK in the early 2000s and the current vendors are believed to be the fourth owners in the car’s long history.
Upon driving the car, its quality of build, refinement and useability are very evident. The car sits at 40mph very comfortably, with more certainly possible. The gearbox is easy to master, the steering light once on the move and its huge rear drum brakes mean stopping is a formality. The car has been extensively toured over the last 20 years and is well known to have travelled to rallies all over the UK and Europe. Offered for sale now for just the 5th time in its history, this Napier presents in nice useable condition for a new custodian.
