1903 Napier Gordon Bennett Race Car
| May 6, 2008
This 1903 Napier was built to compete as one of the three-car British team in the 1903 Gordon Bennett Race. It is believed to be the oldest British racing car in existence.
The Gordon Bennett Race was to be held in England, but due to a new British speed law the race had to be moved to Ireland. In appreciation of Ireland’s cooperation, the participating cars were painted dark green. Since then, green has been the official racing color for all British cars.
Driven by JW Stocks, this wood-bodied, 45-horsepower racer with an oak and metal frame crashed at the Gordon Bennet race and failed to finish. Fortunately, the car and driver were not badly injured.
In 1972 the car was acquired by the George Waterman Collection. A comprehensive restoration was completed in 1974. Acquired soon thereafter by Bill Harrah, he drove this car to victory in the 1975 London to Brighton Run.
This car has an F-head, 475 cubic-inch, 45 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. It is capable of speeds exceeding 55 mph.