1908 Sheffield-Simplex 45HP Model LA2 Tourer

Offered by Bonhams | Beaulieu, U.K. | September 2, 2017

Photo – Bonhams

Simplex was a popular word in the early days of the automobile. Famously, there was the Mercedes-Simplex, the Crane-Simplex, the plain-old Simplex and the American Simplex aka Amplex… among others. The Sheffield-Simplex was from, guess where, Sheffield, England. The company was founded in 1907 with financial backing from Earl Fitzwilliam, a man who made his fortune in coal. The last cars rolled off the line in 1920 and motorcycles continued on through 1927.

The first car produced in 1907 was the LA1 and the LA2 followed in 1908. It’s powered by a rather large 45 horsepower, 7.0-liter straight-six. When new, the LA2 was advertised as being sold without a gearbox, though it did actually have one. This is the only surviving Model LA2.

Re-imported into the U.K. from Australia in the 1970s, this example was thoroughly restored and has taken part in many rallies in the U.K. over the years. It is thought that the company only turned out about 1,500 cars in their 13 years of production (and most of those were built before WWI started). Only three are known to survive, with this being the oldest. It should bring between $190,000-$260,000. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Not sold.

1908 Napier Type 23A 45HP Seven-Seater Touring

Offered by Bonhams | Carmel, California | August 15, 2014

Photo – Bonhams

D. Napier & Son of London began selling automobiles in 1900, although the company dated back to 1808. Among their claims to fame: they built the first British race car and they were the first company to sell a six-cylinder car. They were an accomplished, important, early British motor manufacturer.

This Type 23A uses a 45 horsepower 6.2-liter straight-six. It’s a powerful car for 1908 and, remarkably, it retains its original body. The car came to America at some point around WWII and was owned by the President of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America. Later, it entered a collection in the 1960s – and remained there until the current owner acquired it in 2007.

A restoration was then carried out and it shows beautifully. The car has been brought to the U.S. for sale, but it has not been shown here – so it’s a perfect candidate for admittance into the great many prestigious car shows that country has to offer. It can be your ticket for between $1,100,000-$1,400,000. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Sold $1,034,000.

Update: Not sold, Bonhams Amelia Island 2023.