Description

1939 Daimler DB18

From 56 year ownership; rare sporting pre-war Daimler with decent performance and in very original condition

Amendment: Bidders are advised that this car is a DB18 and not a 2 1/2litre as previously catalogued. The DB18 was a continuation of the 2 1/2-litre introduced in 1939.

Additional Information from the owner's daughter -

"My dad bought the car from a retired army officer who farmed on the Duke of Westminster’s estate in Cheshire. His wife used the Daimler to tow a horse box containing their race horse to meetings. My dad saved it from going to the scrapyard by buying it from the  farmer, and went on to deliver 44 brides safely to their wedding venue including my sister and I, and friends of the family. It was loved so much because of the two tone grey colour, with brides not wishing to travel in a black car.”

First registered in June 1939 with the war clouds having already gathered, we know little of its early history, a continuation Buff Logbook showing three owners in the '60s, the last being the vendor who acquired it way back in 1966.

There is an old style V5, current V5C and its original handbook on file, but little else to tell us what sort of a life it has led, apart from its condition of course which probably tells us all we need to know.

The car presents well, with sound paint and decent door fit. The interior is absolutely originally and all the better for it. It has been starting and running while onsite, the pre-selector gearbox showed us no surprises and the fluid flywheel has that lovely characteristic whiring noise at tickover.

The engine is a conventional six-cylinder ohv unit with simple single SU carburettor which keeps things nice and straightforward too.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com