An early entrant into the automobile business, Montague Stanley Napier first began operations in 1898.

His first product was a vertical-twin engine with coil ignition, built for his friend Selwyn Francis Edge.

For more than a decade, Edge was Napier’s sole distributor and promoter.

During this time, one of their best customers was telephone magnate Charles Jasper Glidden of Massachusetts, who carried the Napier name on a series of long-distance tours, one of which was named after him.

In 1904 Napier achieved the distinction of producing the world’s first commercially viable six-cylinder engine.

A 5.0-liter car with mechanical overhead intake valves, it soon spawned a massive 15.0-liter racing version.

In 1908 came a 5.0-liter L-head six-cylinder with a three-speed gearbox and shaft drive.

During the World War I, Napier turned the company’s attention to aeronautical engines, particularly the Napier “Lion,” which later became renowned in automotive circles as the engine that helpe...