1910 Brasier 12/18HP 12C Tourer

•Quality French make
•Formerly displayed at the Aalholm Automobil Museum in Denmark
•1,955cc four-cylinder engine
•Four-speed gate-change gearbox
•Shaft drive
•Highly original
•Running condition


Henri Brasier had already built a formidable reputation as chief engineer of Mors' successful racing department by the time he joined Georges Richard in 1901. He rapidly transformed the quality of their production cars then spectacularly returned to motor racing. In 1904 and 1905 Richard Brasier famously won the Gordon Bennett Cup, the world's most coveted motor racing trophy, enhancing the marque's reputation and boosting sales. Georges Richard left the company in 1905 and future models were sold as Brasiers, The firm concentrated on quality mid-size, shaft-driven cars such as the 12/18hp.

This car's engine is a 1,955cc four-cylinder monobloc featuring mechanical lubrication and thermo-syphon cooling. The transmission comprises a four-speeds-and-reverse, gate-change gearbox with direct drive top; a metallic disc clutch; Cardan shaft drive; and bevel rear axle. The chassis cost £300, plus £120 for the 'Rheda' five-passenger torpedo body; the hood, screen and lamps were extra.

Nothing is known of this car prior to its entering the legendary Aalholm Automobil Museum in Denmark. Displayed in the collection for years, this 12/18hp Brasier was sold at auction there on 4th October 1994 (Lot 156). According to the catalogue: "It is undoubtedly a most original motor car which has been sympathetically restored, is finished in green livery with black wings and red wooden artillery wheels, it has brass fittings throughout with Phares Besnard acetylene headlamps, opera-style oil sidelights and running board mounted acetylene generator. The car has its original black leather upholstery and a tan hood and is equipped with an exhaust cut-out for open country motoring". Further: "Mechanically the car would appear to be original in all major respects and a fine example of the Edwardian coachbuilder's art with Brasier's renowned mechanical quality and having been on display at Aalholm for some time."

The purchaser was Veteran car expert Tony Smallbone, who sold the Brasier to Jacques Opsomer at Wortegem-Petegem in Belgium. It remained on display within his collection until he died. Acquired from his family, and apart from a set of new tyres, the car remains as displayed at Aalholm: highly original and authentic, with 'Rheda' coachwork. The condition and state of preservation is almost exactly the same today as it was more than 30 years ago.

Exquisite touches include embossed four-leaf clover radiator cap and badge; 'Rheda' footplates; and an ignition switch, oil gauge, and original coverings to the scuttle and running boards, etc. Non-original items are a later magneto and Zenith carburettor. There is much more information in the history file and on the Bonhams website. Recently checked over and running as per the video on Bonhams' website, the car is capable of 70km/h and is an ideal size for Veteran events.