Napier Gordon Bennett

Napier Gordon Bennett 1903

Key facts

  • Year

    1903

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    7,708cc

  • Cylinders

    4

  • Maximum speed

    75mph/120.70kph

  • Price new

    Not marketed

  • Manufacturer

    D. Napier & Sons

Napier was the first British constructor to build cars especially for motor racing. In 1903, the prestigious Gordon Bennett Race was held in Southern Ireland. Napier entered three cars – this one driven by Charles Jarrott unfortunately crashed. In 1904, it was fastest in the eliminating trials for that year’s race.

Napiers were all painted green, the colour which was then adopted as Britain’s racing colour. This is one of Britain’s oldest racing cars.

1903 Napier Gordon Bennett

Our Vehicle Curator, Patrick Collins introduces the 1903 Napier Gordon Bennett, one of Britain’s oldest racing cars.

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Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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