Napier Railton |
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 The Napier-Railton, before a test run at Brooklands Museum, Weybridge.  The Napier-Railton at Brooklands, in between test runs.  The Napier-Railton at Brooklands, in between test runs.  The Napier-Railton at Brooklands, in between test runs.  Cockpit/Dash  The Napier Lion engine  The Napier-Railton at Brooklands |
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The Napier-Railton is an aero-engined race car built in 1933, designed by Reid Railton to a commission by John Cobb, and built by Thomson & Taylor. It was driven by Cobb, mainly at Brooklands race track where it holds the all-time lap record (143.44 mph (230.84 km/h)) which stands in perpetuity since the track fell into disuse during the Second World War. Between 1933 and 1937 the Napier-Railton broke 47 World speed records at Brooklands, Montlhéry and Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The car is powered by a naturally aspirated Napier Lion, a W12 of 23.944 litres (1,461 cu in) capacity, producing just over 500 brake horse power at 2200 revolutions per minute.[citation needed] The 12 cylinders are in three banks of four, hence the triple exhaust system. The crash gearbox has 3 ratios. The fuel tank has a capacity of 65 gallons and fuel consumption was approximately 5 mpg. Although capable of 168 mph (270 km/h) the car has rear wheel braking only. It is currently on display at the Brooklands Museum. It is in working order and is run at least twice a year, in March and November. Links
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