1908 Napier 45HP Type 23A

VIN: 4234

$682,000

Sold

Seller details

  • Auction

    Christie's

  • Location

    Monterey, CA; US

  • Event date

    Aug 16 - Aug 17, 2007

  • Lot

    71

Vehicle specs

  • Chassis/VIN

    4234

  • Body style

    7 Seat Touring

  • Odometer

    1772 M

  • Interior Color

    Blats leather, Black cloth top

  • Exterior Color

    Green

Vehicle details

Notes and observations recorded by Hagerty staff.

Equipment

RHD. Lucas 676 King of the Road lights with electric bulbs. Nickel trim, jump seats, electric fuel pump. pier branded old spark plugs. Oily, used and the very definition of pati on the body. Fenders have been redone and top replaced. In the U.S. after WWII, owned by Rod Blood in West Newton, MA, an early VMCCA member and President. Sold to the sellers father in England in the early 60s and carefully preserved since with the most wonderfully preserved old paint which has curdled and shrunk before being painted over to secure it. Even elephants have smoother skin than this. A truly wonderful old car with 60mph performance.

Market commentary

This was a lot of fun to watch as the bidders refused to give up on the opportunity to secure this magnificent automobile. It would have been a cool car without the pati, but with it the appeal was irresistable and while the Steve McQueen Ferrari Lusso which Christies sold for $2.31 million today was the undeniable star of the show this pier had the serious car guys wishing they had pockets deep enough to enter the fray. Expensive To be sure, but also one of a kind ... and a very desirable kind at that.

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