The British-built Napier was one of the leading makes of cars in the world through much of the first decade of the 20th century, it also preformed well in competition.
In both 1905 and 1906 Napier racing cars set records at the speed meets held on Ormond-Daytona Beach.
One of these unique Napier cars dating back to 1910 will be seen at the forthcoming Speedyquip Cars & Coffee motoring event on Monday, December 16 at Speedyquip, 3 Prince Alfred Road in North End, Port Elizabeth.
According to Derek Elliot one of the organisers of the Speedyquip Cars & Coffee, this Napier was found in the Addo region during the 1960s.
“The engine interestingly runs anti-clockwise and the flywheel is fitted at the front of the engine, not as is normally found at the rear of the engine,” said Elliot.
The Napier allegedly was imported as a brand new model in those years by a medical doctor from Addo.
“Motoring enthusiast, the late Liefie Bosch, found the car in the 1960s and tried to restore it to its former glory, which was not an easy task. He eventually sold the Napier to a friend, Hans Jeppeson,” said Elliot.
Jeppeson took several years to restore the Napier and had to fabricate new cylinder blocks from cast iron. Many other parts for the Napier were also manufactured by him.
The 1910 Napier was often rallied in the Milligan Rally and also completed a rally from Durban to Cape Town.
Later years Mark Jeppeson inherited the Napier from his dad, Hans, and continued for years to restore the unique car.
“The Napier is running well and still has its original exhaust pipe, made of cast iron, which is rather heavy. The car has three forward gears, a reverse gear and neutral with no brakes on the front wheels,” said Elliot.
This 1910 Napier will be seen on Monday at the Speedyquip Cars & Coffee from 08:00 to 12:00. All motoring enthusiasts are invited to show off their own vehicles. Coffee and biscuits are complimentary to all.
- For more information contact Derek at 082 825 0811 or Jerome 082 653 6579.
