1903 Clement model AC4R realises $644,000

A 1903 Clement model AC4R rear entrance tonneau has sold for £415,900 ($643,607) at Bonhams London.

The car was among the headline lots of the London to Brighton classic car auction on October 30.

London Brighton Clement
The Clement AC4R carried a powerful 12/16 horsepower engine

The Clement AC4R was one of the most technologically advanced cars of its era, with a powerful steel-framed engine.

Clement-Bayard started out as a bicycle manufacturer, before moving in to the realm of cars and aeroplanes.

Bonhams comments: "This example returns to the UK from American ownership and has a long known British history. It's very earliest days were recorded in the program for the London to Brighton Run in 1934…

"Over the course of nearly 4 decades of ownership the car has been used on the London to Brighton on a number of occasions, particularly in the early days of its custody. Maintained in the UK for some time, it received a new crankshaft and mechanical work in the 1980s."

A 1904 Napier model D45 tourer also sold well, achieving £326,333 ($505,001).

Napier had been a printing manufacturer before making the switch to auto engineering. The present lot is one of a small number built in America to avoid import tax.

The auction house states: "Napier No.49 is a car of British manufacture, assembled in period in America, has been part of three major international car collections, has four cylinders, a four speed gearbox, carries five passengers in comfort, has rarity in spades and comes with an enviable record of completed Brighton Runs."

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