Brooklands and The Napier Railton
For three decades this famous racing track, placed like a giant footprint in the Surrey countryside, just 20 miles south west of London, was the centre of British Motor Sport. The two and half mile circuit with its two massive concrete banks was the very epitome of speed and captured the imagination of the period.
The Outer Circuit Record was the most prestigious. In 1930, The Daily Herald put up a trophy for the fastest driver round the track. Up to 1935, this trophy was won by just 4 drivers, Kaye Don, the first winner, battled with Tim Birkin to achieve 137.58mph in his Sunbeam 'Tiger'. In 1932, Tim Birkin took the record to 137.96mph in his famous red blower Bentley.
The Outer Circuit Record was the most prestigious. In 1930, The Daily Herald put up a trophy for the fastest driver round the track. Up to 1935, this trophy was won by just 4 drivers, Kaye Don, the first winner, battled with Tim Birkin to achieve 137.58mph in his Sunbeam 'Tiger'. In 1932, Tim Birkin took the record to 137.96mph in his famous red blower Bentley.
It was, however, John Cobb who finally took the record to 143.44 mph in his Napier Railton. Regarded as the ultimate Brooklands Racing Car, it was designed and built by Thomson & Taylor in their premises in the Brooklands Aero Village. Powered by a 24 litre Napier Lion engine, the car’s Outer Circuit record remained unbeaten when racing and record breaking finished at Brooklands in 1939.
Napier Railton facts:
The Brooklands Outer Circuit lap record of 143mph take in 1935 by the Napier Railton was never beaten.
The car is now on display in the Speed Record Exhibition in the Motoring Village at Brooklands Museum and can be seen being driven on ‘Napier Railton Demonstration Days’, details of which can be found on the link below.
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