Brand: Napier

D. Napier & Son Limited

D. Napier & Son Limited was a British engineering company that specialized in the design and manufacture of engines, particularly for aircraft and marine applications. The company was founded in 1808 by David Napier, and it remained a family business for several generations.

In the early years, D. Napier & Son Limited was primarily involved in the manufacture of steam engines for various industries, including textile mills and steamships. In the late 19th century, the company began producing internal combustion engines for automobiles, and it later shifted its focus to aircraft engines.

During World War I, D. Napier & Son Limited was a major supplier of aircraft engines to the British military. The company's engines powered some of the most famous planes of the era, including the Sopwith Camel and the Supermarine Spitfire. In the interwar period, Napier continued to develop new and innovative engines, including the Napier Lion, which was one of the most powerful and advanced engines of its time.

During World War II, Napier again played a crucial role in the war effort, producing engines for military aircraft such as the Hawker Typhoon and the de Havilland Mosquito. However, by the end of the war, the company was facing financial difficulties and was eventually acquired by English Electric in 1942. The Napier name was retained for a time, but the company was eventually merged with other firms and the Napier brand disappeared in the 1960s.