1913 Napier Type 44 Six-Cylinder Touring Car

1913 Napier Type 44 Six-Cylinder Touring Car
Coachwork by Cunard

Key Details

• Make: Napier

• Model: Type 44 Touring Car

• Year: 1913

• Chassis Number: 11667

• Engine Number: 18798 - E605

• Former UK Registration: EL 844

• Engine: 4,730cc Side-Valve Inline 6-Cylinder

• Power: 35bhp

• Transmission: 3-Speed Manual

• Suspension: Front and Rear Leaf Spring

• Brakes: Rear Mechanical Expanding Drum Brakes

Highlights

• Original touring coachwork by Cunard

• Continuous history from new

• Long-time tourer in several distinguished collections

• One of the finest examples of early British motoring luxury

The Marque
Napier was among the most prestigious automotive brands in the early 20th century, winning favor with royalty and industrialists around the world. Montague Napier's engineering brilliance and Selwyn F. Edge’s visionary marketing ensured the marque’s success, including motorsport triumphs and engineering firsts. Napier introduced the first commercially viable six-cylinder engine in 1904 and was the first to win the Gordon Bennett Cup in 1902. Their cars quickly became symbols of performance, prestige, and innovation.

The Car
This 1913 Napier Type 44 Touring Car is one of the best-known surviving examples of the marque. Sold new in December 1913, likely in Bournemouth as evidenced by its original 'EL' registration, it remained in England until 2007 and has had a well-documented succession of prominent owners.

Its first known postwar owner was Richard 'Dick' Barton, founder of the Barton Motor Company in Plymouth, who acquired the car in 1946/7 from Bobbett’s Garage in Teignmouth. According to Barton, it had been laid up since 1930. The car had reportedly served as a summer touring car for its first owner, alongside a winter-use Limousine. Barton used the Napier regularly, even for long-distance rallies, and famously lent it to Randolph Churchill for his Devonport MP campaign.

In 1954, the car was sold via renowned dealer Cecil Bendall. From 1965, it remained in long-term ownership, during which time it was repainted from its Napier Green to the Sky Blue it still wears. Mechanical refurbishments were carried out over the years, including a full engine rebuild in 1986.

Further collectors included John Brown of Newbury and Richard Sanders of Bicester. The car left the UK in 2007 via Peter Harper and was then acquired by respected American collector Ken McBride of the Pacific Northwest. Following his passing in 2010, the car continued its tour legacy, participating in numerous Brass and Nickel tours, including the 2015 Mozart Tour in California.

Today, the Napier remains very complete and mechanically strong. Though its older restoration has mellowed with age, it now wears a charming patina. A starter motor has been fitted for ease of use, and full weather equipment makes it a practical participant for touring events.

Summary
This 1913 Napier Type 44 represents a rare opportunity to own an original, well-documented British touring car from the Brass Era, featuring an early six-cylinder powerplant and beautifully preserved coachwork. Eligible for prestigious events and ready for further enjoyment on the open road.