The Napier L48, which was once the fastest racing car in the world, will go up for auction on Bonhams Cars this February 29th. The L48 is known for its pioneering six-cylinder engine – which broke records and existing notions about automotive design eventually paving the way for modern race cars.

Charles Faroux, an automotive journalist and one of the founders of the Le Mans race, proposed building a six-cylinder engine in 1904 to prevent tyre slippage because it would have a smoother power delivery than the engines Napier had previously used. This idea led to the creation of the automobile.

World Record

In 1905, the L48 set a new land speed record when it broke the Flying One Mile World Record, clocking in at 104.65 mph (168.42 km/h). This made it the first British automobile to reach 100 mph. There were several more records set, and Napier found that the L48 was effective in a lot of ways. Even Percy and Fred Cornwell’s Nautilus II speedboat, which set a world water speed record, was powered by the same engine. Napier became the first manufacturer in history to own the land and water speed records as a result.

It eventually acquired a 20-liter engine, and it kept racing until 1909, when it was scrapped and sold for parts.

Reconstruction

After being disassembled, the car’s components were misplaced for a while until Alan Chamberlain discovered it in the Cronwell pottery factory in the 1950s. Additionally, the car’s body was found. On July 8, 1982, the engine was ignited for the first time in six decades after it had been completely rebuilt.

The L48 has been to many racing festivals and conferences since it was repaired. The car was built with an unusual external radiator that almost completely encircles the 80 copper tubes. The reason for this is to provide the cooling required for an engine of this size when it is being driven to its limit. The car’s moniker “Samson” was given because of this unusual design, referencing the biblical strongman’s physical dexterity.

Sale

The Chamberlain family gave up ownership of the vehicle in the early 1990s to Australian businessman Peter Briggs, who has an intense love of automobiles. Unfortunately, Peter Briggs passed away in 2022, and Bonhams is currently holding an auction for the L48. The car will be up for sale on February 29th, with an estimate of MYR 4.3 million to MYR 5.30 million. For more information, visit Bonhams Cars.

All images courtesy of Bonhams Cars.