1908 Brasier Voiture de Course
Registration:
# BS 9790
Price:
TBC
1908 Brasier Voiture de Course – Gordon Bennett Trophy Recreation
A faithful recreation of Brasier’s legendary Gordon Bennett racers, powered by an 11.7-litre Hispano Suiza aero engine and rebuilt for continued historic competition.
Built around an original 1908 Brasier chassis discovered in Australia.
Powered by an 11.7-litre Hispano Suiza V8 aero engine producing approximately 220bhp.
Extensively researched recreation of the 1904–1905 Gordon Bennett Trophy-winning Brasier racers.
Complete engine rebuild, new water pump and transmission rebuild completed recently.
Gearbox rebuilt and capable of gearing for speeds exceeding 100mph.
Eligible for major historic motorsport events and long-distance touring rallies.
The Story Behind a Remarkable Brasier Racing Car
Few Edwardian competition cars can trace their inspiration to such a significant chapter in motorsport history. The original Richard-Brasier racing cars achieved international fame when Léon Théry secured victory in the 1904 Gordon Bennett Trophy, defeating the dominant Mercedes, Fiat and Turcat-Méry teams and establishing France once again at the forefront of motor racing.
The car offered here represents one of the most accurate recreations of those famous competition machines. The project began when renowned enthusiast Mike Holt discovered the remains of an original 1908 50hp Brasier in Australia, including its chassis, steering components, front axle and numerous original mechanical parts. Further period-correct components were sourced from Switzerland and France, including a chain-drive transaxle, original Brasier radiator and a rear axle manufactured by the Le Moine foundry, one of Brasier’s original suppliers.
With no surviving examples of Brasier’s original 11.25-litre racing engine, an exceptional alternative was chosen. A Hispano Suiza 11.7-litre V8 aero engine from a First World War SPAD fighter aircraft was acquired, reflecting Brasier’s own historical involvement in Hispano Suiza engine production.
Built by Leading Edwardian Specialists
Construction was entrusted to some of the most respected names in the historic vehicle world. Oliver Way was commissioned to engineer and build the rolling chassis, ensuring the dimensions and proportions accurately reflected the original Gordon Bennett racers. The bodywork was subsequently crafted by Mick Sharpe using extensive period research and reference material.
Over the years the car has benefited from continuous mechanical development. The engine was rebuilt by Steve White before later engineering improvements were carried out by Mike New, including the installation of Ross pistons. The gearbox received significant rebuilding work, and since our previous sale of the car in 2021 it has undergone a complete engine rebuild, gearbox rebuild, transmission rebuild and the installation of a new water pump.
Competition Provenance and Driving Experience
This Brasier has become one of the most recognisable Edwardian racing cars in historic motorsport. It has appeared at prestigious events including Le Centenaire du Grand Prix de France at Le Mans and the SF Edge Trophy at Goodwood, while also participating in extensive touring throughout Europe.
The combination of lightweight construction, immense torque and approximately 220bhp creates a driving experience few historic cars can match. Currently geared for around 105mph, the transmission can accommodate alternative gearing for substantially higher speeds. Whether used for competition, demonstrations, touring events or as a centrepiece of a serious collection, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally well-developed Edwardian racing machine.
An Opportunity to Acquire One of the Finest Brasier Recreations
Combining original 1908 Brasier components, meticulous research, extensive provenance and recent mechanical rebuilding, this remarkable Voiture de Course stands among the closest recreations of the legendary Gordon Bennett Trophy racers available today. Watch the car in action in this video of this car and a 1913 De Dion Curtis, that was created the last time the car was with us at here at Foxfields.
For further information, detailed history files or to arrange a viewing, please contact Tom.
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