Registration No: SV 5367
Chassis No: 140
MOT: Exempt

• Fastiduously maintained as part of an impressive Edwardian car collection
• Treated to a recent thorough engine overhaul
• Beautifully presented and ready to go
• Complete with very rare Brasier hood ornament
• Current V5C on file and various paperwork relating to the car

It was in 1904 that Richard-Brasier gained the first of its two consecutive victories in the Gordon Bennett Cup. First run in 1900 in France, the latter took its name from founder James Gordon Bennett Jr, millionaire owner of the New York Herald newspaper and himself a keen sportsman. Contested by national teams, the races were hosted in the country of the previous year's winner until 1905, after which the Automobile Club de France organised the first motor racing Grand Prix at Le Mans. But prior to the coming of Grands Prix, the Gordon Bennett Cup was the most prized trophy of them all.

The 1903 race had been won by the Belgian driver Camille Jenatzy driving a German Mercedes, so the 1904 event was run in Germany around a circuit in the Taunus Mountains. Victory went to the 9.9-litre 80hp Richard-Brasier of Léon Théry, who retained the Cup the following year at the Circuit d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand driving an 11.2-litre 90hp car. This was, arguably, the high point of Brasier's fortunes, for the company went into decline after The Great War and was acquired by the bicycle manufacturer Chaigneau in 1926, after which it continued to produce cars under the Chaigneau-Brasier name for a few more years.

This right hand drive example is powered by a four-cylinder engine rated at 15hp. It comes complete with a side-entrance tonneau body by Auguste Védrine. Acquired by Stephen Langton in the 1980’s as a complete original example in need of restoration, it was later purchased by the previous vendor (see photographs in the history file). A report which is included in the sale, compiled by Gordon Cobbold in 1997, indicates that at some point the car has had a change of crankcase.

The previous vendor restored the Brasier. The mechanical work being undertaken by Neve Engineering and the coachwork restored by Malcolm Jeal. Related invoices on file total over £35,000 and the car also comes with a UK V5 registration document and a VCC dating certificate issued in 1995. The current vendor acquired the vehicle in 2016 in which time he has had the engine rebuilt to a very high standard. Used and maintained regularly by the current vendor, a collector of pre-war and Edwardian cars, this rare French 'Edwardian' is ready for its new custodian.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217