The 1904 Napier Samson L48 is set to make a triumphant comeback to Florida, where it made history by breaking the 100 miles per hour record on American soil over a century ago. This legendary vehicle, famous for its illustrious racing background, will be unveiled at Ormond-Daytona Beach on February 10, ahead of the Bonhams|Cars Amelia Island Auction on February 29, where it’s anticipated to fetch a price ranging from $900,000 to $1,100,000.

In the early 20th century, the annual auto races at Ormond and Daytona Beaches drew the finest and most daring drivers of the era. These pioneers pushed the limits of speed and engineering. In 1905, British company Napier, intrigued by the potential of these competitions, sent their groundbreaking six-cylinder race engine to Florida. Arthur Macdonald, a British mechanic, made history on January 25, 1905, by achieving a world record speed of 104.651 mph.

The following year, Walter Thomas Clifford Earp, known as “England’s Leading Gentleman Driver,” piloted the Napier at the same beaches. While Earp couldn’t match the speeds of newer competitors, the performance of this duo of man and machine became legendary during the 100-mile race. Despite a tire blowout and completing part of the distance on a rim, Earp secured victory by a mere 50 seconds, setting a new 100-mile world record and sparking “pandemonium” among the onlookers.

This remarkable triumph was so captivating that motoring historian Dick Punnett titled his book on these events “Racing on the Rim.” Another milestone was reached in 1906 when Dorothy Levitt set the Women’s World Land Speed Record driving the car, a record that remained unbeaten by any other woman until 1963.

As years went by, the Napier, overshadowed by newer models, was dismantled. Its once-revolutionary engine was forgotten in a factory until engineer Alan Hawker ‘Bob’ Chamberlain recognized its importance. Chamberlain embarked on an extensive research and restoration endeavor, successfully resurrecting the world’s first successful six-cylinder racing engine.

In July 1982, the rebuilt engine roared back to life after 67 years, surpassing even Chamberlain’s expectations. The Napier’s return to the racetrack, achieving speeds of 111.73 mph, affirmed the original car’s exceptional design and the quality of its restoration.

Having been in the possession of its current owner for four decades, this historic car, meticulously recreated around that groundbreaking engine, is now seeking its fifth custodian in 120 years. Following its return to the beaches of Ormond and Daytona at the Historic North Turn Beach Parade on February 10, this legendary Napier will be up for grabs at the Bonhams|Cars Amelia Island Auction on February 29.

Bonhams|Cars uniquely offers a choice of live, online and private platforms for buying and selling collector cars—platforms characterized by levels of trust, reliability, and transparency born of over three decades of experience as the premier automotive auction house. Through prestigious live auctions around the world, 24/7 online auctions, and our recently introduced Private Sales service, Bonhams|Cars makes it simple for buyers and sellers to find the platform that best meets their needs.

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