This Vintage Race Car was America’s First to Exceed 100 MPH

Bonhams is bringing a piece of American automotive racing history to Amelia Island, Florida this year. America’s first car to exceed 100 miles-per-hour will be crossing the auction block and is expected to sell for over $1 million.

The race car, a 1904 Napier Samson L48, has a combined history of glory years and forgotten pastimes. After setting multiple records, it was sold for scrap and its two engines ­– a 15-liter and a beastly 20-liter – ended up in speed boats, winning water speed records. The Samson was eventually rescued by Alan 'Bob' Hawker Chamberlain, an Australian engineer. It was Chamberlain who took on the challenge of rebuilding this historic race car.

MORE

-Carlos