1910 Napier 30/35 hp Type T26
1910 Napier 30/35 hp Type T26 – Rois des Belges Tourer
Chassis No. 7190 | Engine No. 6140 | Gearbox No. C.27 | Registration: DS 8316
Overview
An outstanding example of Edwardian motoring excellence, this 1910 Napier Type T26 Rois des Belges tourer is one of very few survivors of its type and an exceptional representation of early 20th-century British automotive engineering. Fitted with a powerful 6-cylinder 30/35 horsepower engine, this commanding vehicle is one of the finest of its era, rivaling Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, and Panhard in both performance and prestige.
Restored to an immaculate standard with exquisite brass fittings, original coachwork design, and 41 x 4½" “colonial” wheels, this vehicle is not only a showpiece but a fully usable and mechanically correct car suitable for veteran rallies and concours exhibitions.
Historical Provenance
This car is factory-documented as chassis number 7190, engine number 6140, and gearbox number C.27, all matching the original manufacturer’s records held by D. Napier & Sons. It was originally supplied to Selwyn Francis Edge, the famed racing driver and publicist who was instrumental in making Napier a household name.
Edge famously won the 1902 Gordon Bennett Cup and set a 24-hour record at Brooklands in 1907 with a Napier 6-cylinder car, boosting the marque’s reputation. Until 1912, S.F. Edge had an exclusive agreement to sell Napier cars under his own company, S.F. Edge (1907) Ltd., through which this car was supplied. Following the dissolution of the agreement in 1912, Napier cars became more widely available.
Coachwork and Restoration
The current body is a careful reconstruction of period-correct Rois des Belges coachwork, incorporating many original parts and fittings. With high-quality workmanship throughout, the restoration reflects the elegance and stature of the Napier marque.
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Body style: Rois des Belges tourer
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Seating: Seven-seater
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Wheels: 41 x 4½" for colonial use
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Condition: Restored to show standard, unused since
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Accessories: Fine brass lamps, fittings, and authentic trim
Performance and Usability
This Napier is not only a museum-grade exhibit; it is also engineered to perform. The large-displacement 6-cylinder engine delivers smooth and reliable power, and the vehicle is eligible for long-distance veteran motoring events. Its scale and presence—standing over eight feet tall with mudguards at chest height—underscore its original intent for both prestige and rugged colonial touring.
Historical Significance
The 1910 Napier represents the peak of pre-WWI British motoring. During the Edwardian era, Napier and Rolls-Royce were considered the best British marques, often selected by Indian royalty and dignitaries around the world. Napier’s focus on aero engine production post-1924 ended its car production, making surviving examples like this extremely rare.
This model’s direct association with S.F. Edge adds unique historical and collector value, positioning it as a true landmark vehicle.
Highlights
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Original car with confirmed matching numbers from manufacturer’s records
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Formerly supplied to Selwyn Francis Edge
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Accurate reconstruction of Edwardian coachwork
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Rare and imposing 7-seater configuration
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Registered in the UK with number DS 8316
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Documented by the Society of Automotive Historians (UK Chapter)