Ruud Onos
NAPIER 60-HP T21 S.F. EDGE | 1907
The construction in 1906-1907 of the Brooklands Motor Course at Weybridge, Southwest of London, gave S.F.Edge, Napier's top salesman, the opportunity to demonstrate the reliability of his make by driving a Napier on the circuit non-stop for 24 hours, before it was officially opened. As there was no lighting, the track was illuminated with torches during the night. It was an unprecedented achievement: he covered a total distance of 2,537 kilometres (1,582 miles), averaging a speed of 105 km/h (66 mph). The record was to stand for 17 years. Besides, it was the only time a 24-hour race would be held at Brooklands. As the circuit was located in a residential area, the authorities would not allow nighttime racing. 'Double Twelves', two runs lasting twelve hours each, were introduced instead.
The Napier with which Edge set this record no longer exists, but in 1960 Napier enthusiast Derek Grossmark commissioned coachbuilders Caffyns in Worthing to recreate the body on an existing 7.7 litre, 60 hp chassis. The car was later clocked at 135 km/h at the Brighton Speed Trials. Grossman participated in various events over a three-year period and then sold the car. Under new ownership the Napier was used in the opening scenes of the famous film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.
NAPIER 60-HP T21 S.F. EDGE | 1907
The construction in 1906-1907 of the Brooklands Motor Course at Weybridge, Southwest of London, gave S.F.Edge, Napier's top salesman, the opportunity to demonstrate the reliability of his make by driving a Napier on the circuit non-stop for 24 hours, before it was officially opened. As there was no lighting, the track was illuminated with torches during the night. It was an unprecedented achievement: he covered a total distance of 2,537 kilometres (1,582 miles), averaging a speed of 105 km/h (66 mph). The record was to stand for 17 years. Besides, it was the only time a 24-hour race would be held at Brooklands. As the circuit was located in a residential area, the authorities would not allow nighttime racing. 'Double Twelves', two runs lasting twelve hours each, were introduced instead.
The Napier with which Edge set this record no longer exists, but in 1960 Napier enthusiast Derek Grossmark commissioned coachbuilders Caffyns in Worthing to recreate the body on an existing 7.7 litre, 60 hp chassis. The car was later clocked at 135 km/h at the Brighton Speed Trials. Grossman participated in various events over a three-year period and then sold the car. Under new ownership the Napier was used in the opening scenes of the famous film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.