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A collection of images of classic Daimler cars, and cars that are likely to become classics, taken at numerous visits to car shows, motoring museums, motoring events and on the road when the opportunity arises.
The Daimler Company Limited, before 1910 known as the Daimler Motor Company Limited, was an independent British motor vehicle manufacturer founded in London by H. J. Lawson in 1896, which set up its manufacturing base in Coventry. The company bought the right to the use of the Daimler name simultaneously from Gottlieb Daimler and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft of Cannstatt, Germany. After early financial difficulty and a reorganisation of the company in 1904, the Daimler Motor Company was purchased by Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) in 1910, which also made cars under its own name before the Second World War. In 1933, BSA bought the Lanchester Motor Company and made it a subsidiary of the Daimler Company.
1890
1897 Daimler Graphton Phaeton, AD 1897
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 8th November 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st September 1955.
1141cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This Daimler is the oldest surviving Coventry-built Daimler car and it is also one of the earliest surviving British built cars. It has only had four owners from new. The car is maintained in full running order by the JDHT and used to regularly compete in the annual London to Brighton run, held on the first Sunday in November. The run commemorates the act which came into force in November 1896, and which made it possible to use motor cars on British roads by abolishing the need for an attendant to walk in front of the car - with or without a red flag! - and increased the speed limit from 4 to 12mph (6 to 19km/h). However, starting it is no mean feat. This predates the concept of spark tubes and has a form of hot tube ignition: "One lights a small fire in the engine compartment, which heats a tube, which runs into the cylinder and provides the heat to burn the petrol/air mixture. This all takes some time but then the owners of Daimlers back in 1897 would have had a 'man' to do this and give them sufficient notice while eating their fill English breakfast." Originally bought by a Doctor Vickers in Shropshire who used it on his rounds in Wellington, Shropshire, Vickers also used the car to tour France and Belgium and sold it on to his friend Joe Atkinson in 1906. Atkinson used the car on a regular basis and kept it in full working order until his death in 1953. The car was then bought by Commander Edward (Ted) Woolley. He stripped the Daimler down and restored it from ground up to its original condition, though he chose a cream colour scheme which was not authentic. He also had it registered under the appropriate mark AD 1897. Woolley used the car regularly and took part in events on the Continent. His exploits with the car were legendary and included crossing the Col du Cenis 7,000 feet up in the Alps, on a tour from Britain to Munich and Turin.
He regularly took part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Club Rally.
Powered by a two-cylinder 1,141cc 4hp engine. Ignition is by a hot-tube system. Top speed is 24mph (40km/h). Price in 1897: £375 - equivalent to 5.5 years average wages. Steering: fitted with tiller steering but converted to wheel-steering by Daimler in 1899 (the patch on the bonnet covers the hole for the original column).
Hood: made from elephant hide.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st September 1955.
1141cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This Daimler is the oldest surviving Coventry-built Daimler car and it is also one of the earliest surviving British built cars. It has only had four owners from new. The car is maintained in full running order by the JDHT and used to regularly compete in the annual London to Brighton run, held on the first Sunday in November. The run commemorates the act which came into force in November 1896, and which made it possible to use motor cars on British roads by abolishing the need for an attendant to walk in front of the car - with or without a red flag! - and increased the speed limit from 4 to 12mph (6 to 19km/h). However, starting it is no mean feat. This predates the concept of spark tubes and has a form of hot tube ignition: "One lights a small fire in the engine compartment, which heats a tube, which runs into the cylinder and provides the heat to burn the petrol/air mixture. This all takes some time but then the owners of Daimlers back in 1897 would have had a 'man' to do this and give them sufficient notice while eating their fill English breakfast." Originally bought by a Doctor Vickers in Shropshire who used it on his rounds in Wellington, Shropshire, Vickers also used the car to tour France and Belgium and sold it on to his friend Joe Atkinson in 1906. Atkinson used the car on a regular basis and kept it in full working order until his death in 1953. The car was then bought by Commander Edward (Ted) Woolley. He stripped the Daimler down and restored it from ground up to its original condition, though he chose a cream colour scheme which was not authentic. He also had it registered under the appropriate mark AD 1897. Woolley used the car regularly and took part in events on the Continent. His exploits with the car were legendary and included crossing the Col du Cenis 7,000 feet up in the Alps, on a tour from Britain to Munich and Turin.
He regularly took part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Club Rally.
Powered by a two-cylinder 1,141cc 4hp engine. Ignition is by a hot-tube system. Top speed is 24mph (40km/h). Price in 1897: £375 - equivalent to 5.5 years average wages. Steering: fitted with tiller steering but converted to wheel-steering by Daimler in 1899 (the patch on the bonnet covers the hole for the original column).
Hood: made from elephant hide.
1897 Daimler Graphton Phaeton, AD 1897
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 8th November 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st September 1955.
1141cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This Daimler is the oldest surviving Coventry-built Daimler car and it is also one of the earliest surviving British built cars. It has only had four owners from new. The car is maintained in full running order by the JDHT and used to regularly compete in the annual London to Brighton run, held on the first Sunday in November. The run commemorates the act which came into force in November 1896, and which made it possible to use motor cars on British roads by abolishing the need for an attendant to walk in front of the car - with or without a red flag! - and increased the speed limit from 4 to 12mph (6 to 19km/h). However, starting it is no mean feat. This predates the concept of spark tubes and has a form of hot tube ignition: "One lights a small fire in the engine compartment, which heats a tube, which runs into the cylinder and provides the heat to burn the petrol/air mixture. This all takes some time but then the owners of Daimlers back in 1897 would have had a 'man' to do this and give them sufficient notice while eating their fill English breakfast." Originally bought by a Doctor Vickers in Shropshire who used it on his rounds in Wellington, Shropshire, Vickers also used the car to tour France and Belgium and sold it on to his friend Joe Atkinson in 1906. Atkinson used the car on a regular basis and kept it in full working order until his death in 1953. The car was then bought by Commander Edward (Ted) Woolley. He stripped the Daimler down and restored it from ground up to its original condition, though he chose a cream colour scheme which was not authentic. He also had it registered under the appropriate mark AD 1897. Woolley used the car regularly and took part in events on the Continent. His exploits with the car were legendary and included crossing the Col du Cenis 7,000 feet up in the Alps, on a tour from Britain to Munich and Turin.
He regularly took part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Club Rally.
Powered by a two-cylinder 1,141cc 4hp engine. Ignition is by a hot-tube system. Top speed is 24mph (40km/h). Price in 1897: £375 - equivalent to 5.5 years average wages. Steering: fitted with tiller steering but converted to wheel-steering by Daimler in 1899 (the patch on the bonnet covers the hole for the original column).
Hood: made from elephant hide.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st September 1955.
1141cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This Daimler is the oldest surviving Coventry-built Daimler car and it is also one of the earliest surviving British built cars. It has only had four owners from new. The car is maintained in full running order by the JDHT and used to regularly compete in the annual London to Brighton run, held on the first Sunday in November. The run commemorates the act which came into force in November 1896, and which made it possible to use motor cars on British roads by abolishing the need for an attendant to walk in front of the car - with or without a red flag! - and increased the speed limit from 4 to 12mph (6 to 19km/h). However, starting it is no mean feat. This predates the concept of spark tubes and has a form of hot tube ignition: "One lights a small fire in the engine compartment, which heats a tube, which runs into the cylinder and provides the heat to burn the petrol/air mixture. This all takes some time but then the owners of Daimlers back in 1897 would have had a 'man' to do this and give them sufficient notice while eating their fill English breakfast." Originally bought by a Doctor Vickers in Shropshire who used it on his rounds in Wellington, Shropshire, Vickers also used the car to tour France and Belgium and sold it on to his friend Joe Atkinson in 1906. Atkinson used the car on a regular basis and kept it in full working order until his death in 1953. The car was then bought by Commander Edward (Ted) Woolley. He stripped the Daimler down and restored it from ground up to its original condition, though he chose a cream colour scheme which was not authentic. He also had it registered under the appropriate mark AD 1897. Woolley used the car regularly and took part in events on the Continent. His exploits with the car were legendary and included crossing the Col du Cenis 7,000 feet up in the Alps, on a tour from Britain to Munich and Turin.
He regularly took part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Club Rally.
Powered by a two-cylinder 1,141cc 4hp engine. Ignition is by a hot-tube system. Top speed is 24mph (40km/h). Price in 1897: £375 - equivalent to 5.5 years average wages. Steering: fitted with tiller steering but converted to wheel-steering by Daimler in 1899 (the patch on the bonnet covers the hole for the original column).
Hood: made from elephant hide.
1910
1913 Daimler TE30, DL 843
Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 10th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 1st December 1913.
4960cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
1913 Daimler TE30 Cranmore Landaulette.
Two factors helped to establish the Daimler marque. Firstly, the granting of the Royal Warrant, as King Edward VII bought a Daimler car, an example followed also by other members of the Royal Family. Secondly, the introduction in 1908 of the double sleeve valve engine, invented by Charles Yale Knight. This engine offered remarkable silence and refinement compared to ordinary poppet valve engines at the time - if at a sometimes alarming rate of oil consumption, and the emission of a great deal of smoke.
In 1910, the Daimler Company was taken over by the BSA Group, small arms, cycle and motorcycle manufactuers of Birmingham. This provided Daimler with financial stability, and BSA allowed Daimler to continue and expand its product range. by the time that the First World War broke out, Daimler was one of Britain's leading car manufacturers, with 5,000 workers and an output of 1,000 cars in 1913.
As was typical of the period, the company made a wide range of cars, although the 1913 range was reduced from seven to five models. Three of these were four-cylinder cars, ranging from 3.3 to 6.3 litres, while the six-cylinder TE30 of 5 litres had a 6.9 litre stable mate, the new 40hp. Even larger 57hp cars were made to order for the Royal household. Daimler usually made their own bodywork, which often had British place names.
The TE30 Cranmore Landaulette was catalogued at £910 although this particular car is said to have cost £1100. It is believed to have been exhibited in St. Petersburg but evidently failed to find a Russian buyer, as it was registered to a Mr Marvin in the Isle of Wight. After his death, the car was laid up until his widow died in 1952. Threatened by the scrap merchant, the car was fortunately rescued and was bought by Mr Eric Whiteway in 1954. In 2000, he finally decided to sell the car to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, where it joined one of only two other surviving TE30 models.
Registration mark: DL 843. Chassis number: 11203. Owner: The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.
Inventory number: 11/D.09.
Vehicle first registered on 1st December 1913.
4960cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
1913 Daimler TE30 Cranmore Landaulette.
Two factors helped to establish the Daimler marque. Firstly, the granting of the Royal Warrant, as King Edward VII bought a Daimler car, an example followed also by other members of the Royal Family. Secondly, the introduction in 1908 of the double sleeve valve engine, invented by Charles Yale Knight. This engine offered remarkable silence and refinement compared to ordinary poppet valve engines at the time - if at a sometimes alarming rate of oil consumption, and the emission of a great deal of smoke.
In 1910, the Daimler Company was taken over by the BSA Group, small arms, cycle and motorcycle manufactuers of Birmingham. This provided Daimler with financial stability, and BSA allowed Daimler to continue and expand its product range. by the time that the First World War broke out, Daimler was one of Britain's leading car manufacturers, with 5,000 workers and an output of 1,000 cars in 1913.
As was typical of the period, the company made a wide range of cars, although the 1913 range was reduced from seven to five models. Three of these were four-cylinder cars, ranging from 3.3 to 6.3 litres, while the six-cylinder TE30 of 5 litres had a 6.9 litre stable mate, the new 40hp. Even larger 57hp cars were made to order for the Royal household. Daimler usually made their own bodywork, which often had British place names.
The TE30 Cranmore Landaulette was catalogued at £910 although this particular car is said to have cost £1100. It is believed to have been exhibited in St. Petersburg but evidently failed to find a Russian buyer, as it was registered to a Mr Marvin in the Isle of Wight. After his death, the car was laid up until his widow died in 1952. Threatened by the scrap merchant, the car was fortunately rescued and was bought by Mr Eric Whiteway in 1954. In 2000, he finally decided to sell the car to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, where it joined one of only two other surviving TE30 models.
Registration mark: DL 843. Chassis number: 11203. Owner: The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.
Inventory number: 11/D.09.
1940
1946 Daimler DB18 Dolphin, FHP 152
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 8th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 4th May 1946.
2522cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Daimler Dolphin is a 2522cc four door convertible continental tourer with coachwork by Coventry based Charlesworth. The Dolphin was designed in 1938, with a view to providing the usually conservative Daimler brand with a sleek, sporty continental tourer for the 1940's. It's twin SU carburettors feeding the straight six engine eagerly pushed the Dolphin to a top speed approaching 90mph. In 1938 Daimler entered a Dolphin in various rallies including the Scottish six-day rally and the Monte Carlo rally, where it won awards for its coachwork.
With the onset of the Second World War in 1939, the Daimler company moved to war production and the twenty or so vehicles produced by then were stored at the factory. During the second Coventry blitz of April 1941 all but 4 cars were destroyed, with FHP 152 sustaining incendiary bomb damage to the rear of the vehicle. The Charlesworth coachbuilding company, located in the city centre, was completely destroyed, together with the Dolphin body-tooling and patterns.
In September 1941, Winston Churchill paraded around Coventry sitting above the rear seats of a Dolphin (hood down) to boost the morale of the good folk of Coventry, having endured such hardships during the blitz. FHP 152 was repaired by the Daimler company with Bob Crouch, the works manager, becoming its first registered owner in 1946.
The car has been in "Clarke" family ownership since 1959 and was used as family transport for a number of years. After being stored for twenty-five years it underwent a full restoration, completed in 2001. It is believed there are four Daimler Dolphins and a singe Lanchester Dolphin in existence today.
Engine: 6 cylinder, 2522cc petrol with twin SU 7:1 compression ratio. Performance: A 36% improvement over the 'New 15' engine's 64bhp to 90bhp was mainly achieved by inclining overhead valves, repositioning spark plugs in the cylinders and changing exhaust down-pipe configuration. Transmission: Fluid flywheel with Wilson epicyclic 4 speed gearbox with overdrive top. Top Speed: c.86mph.
Vehicle first registered on 4th May 1946.
2522cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Daimler Dolphin is a 2522cc four door convertible continental tourer with coachwork by Coventry based Charlesworth. The Dolphin was designed in 1938, with a view to providing the usually conservative Daimler brand with a sleek, sporty continental tourer for the 1940's. It's twin SU carburettors feeding the straight six engine eagerly pushed the Dolphin to a top speed approaching 90mph. In 1938 Daimler entered a Dolphin in various rallies including the Scottish six-day rally and the Monte Carlo rally, where it won awards for its coachwork.
With the onset of the Second World War in 1939, the Daimler company moved to war production and the twenty or so vehicles produced by then were stored at the factory. During the second Coventry blitz of April 1941 all but 4 cars were destroyed, with FHP 152 sustaining incendiary bomb damage to the rear of the vehicle. The Charlesworth coachbuilding company, located in the city centre, was completely destroyed, together with the Dolphin body-tooling and patterns.
In September 1941, Winston Churchill paraded around Coventry sitting above the rear seats of a Dolphin (hood down) to boost the morale of the good folk of Coventry, having endured such hardships during the blitz. FHP 152 was repaired by the Daimler company with Bob Crouch, the works manager, becoming its first registered owner in 1946.
The car has been in "Clarke" family ownership since 1959 and was used as family transport for a number of years. After being stored for twenty-five years it underwent a full restoration, completed in 2001. It is believed there are four Daimler Dolphins and a singe Lanchester Dolphin in existence today.
Engine: 6 cylinder, 2522cc petrol with twin SU 7:1 compression ratio. Performance: A 36% improvement over the 'New 15' engine's 64bhp to 90bhp was mainly achieved by inclining overhead valves, repositioning spark plugs in the cylinders and changing exhaust down-pipe configuration. Transmission: Fluid flywheel with Wilson epicyclic 4 speed gearbox with overdrive top. Top Speed: c.86mph.
1946 Daimler DB18 Dolphin, FHP 152
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 8th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 4th May 1946.
2522cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Daimler Dolphin is a 2522cc four door convertible continental tourer with coachwork by Coventry based Charlesworth. The Dolphin was designed in 1938, with a view to providing the usually conservative Daimler brand with a sleek, sporty continental tourer for the 1940's. It's twin SU carburettors feeding the straight six engine eagerly pushed the Dolphin to a top speed approaching 90mph. In 1938 Daimler entered a Dolphin in various rallies including the Scottish six-day rally and the Monte Carlo rally, where it won awards for its coachwork.
With the onset of the Second World War in 1939, the Daimler company moved to war production and the twenty or so vehicles produced by then were stored at the factory. During the second Coventry blitz of April 1941 all but 4 cars were destroyed, with FHP 152 sustaining incendiary bomb damage to the rear of the vehicle. The Charlesworth coachbuilding company, located in the city centre, was completely destroyed, together with the Dolphin body-tooling and patterns.
In September 1941, Winston Churchill paraded around Coventry sitting above the rear seats of a Dolphin (hood down) to boost the morale of the good folk of Coventry, having endured such hardships during the blitz. FHP 152 was repaired by the Daimler company with Bob Crouch, the works manager, becoming its first registered owner in 1946.
The car has been in "Clarke" family ownership since 1959 and was used as family transport for a number of years. After being stored for twenty-five years it underwent a full restoration, completed in 2001. It is believed there are four Daimler Dolphins and a singe Lanchester Dolphin in existence today.
Engine: 6 cylinder, 2522cc petrol with twin SU 7:1 compression ratio. Performance: A 36% improvement over the 'New 15' engine's 64bhp to 90bhp was mainly achieved by inclining overhead valves, repositioning spark plugs in the cylinders and changing exhaust down-pipe configuration. Transmission: Fluid flywheel with Wilson epicyclic 4 speed gearbox with overdrive top. Top Speed: c.86mph.
Vehicle first registered on 4th May 1946.
2522cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Daimler Dolphin is a 2522cc four door convertible continental tourer with coachwork by Coventry based Charlesworth. The Dolphin was designed in 1938, with a view to providing the usually conservative Daimler brand with a sleek, sporty continental tourer for the 1940's. It's twin SU carburettors feeding the straight six engine eagerly pushed the Dolphin to a top speed approaching 90mph. In 1938 Daimler entered a Dolphin in various rallies including the Scottish six-day rally and the Monte Carlo rally, where it won awards for its coachwork.
With the onset of the Second World War in 1939, the Daimler company moved to war production and the twenty or so vehicles produced by then were stored at the factory. During the second Coventry blitz of April 1941 all but 4 cars were destroyed, with FHP 152 sustaining incendiary bomb damage to the rear of the vehicle. The Charlesworth coachbuilding company, located in the city centre, was completely destroyed, together with the Dolphin body-tooling and patterns.
In September 1941, Winston Churchill paraded around Coventry sitting above the rear seats of a Dolphin (hood down) to boost the morale of the good folk of Coventry, having endured such hardships during the blitz. FHP 152 was repaired by the Daimler company with Bob Crouch, the works manager, becoming its first registered owner in 1946.
The car has been in "Clarke" family ownership since 1959 and was used as family transport for a number of years. After being stored for twenty-five years it underwent a full restoration, completed in 2001. It is believed there are four Daimler Dolphins and a singe Lanchester Dolphin in existence today.
Engine: 6 cylinder, 2522cc petrol with twin SU 7:1 compression ratio. Performance: A 36% improvement over the 'New 15' engine's 64bhp to 90bhp was mainly achieved by inclining overhead valves, repositioning spark plugs in the cylinders and changing exhaust down-pipe configuration. Transmission: Fluid flywheel with Wilson epicyclic 4 speed gearbox with overdrive top. Top Speed: c.86mph.
1946 Daimler DB18 Dolphin, FHP 152
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 8th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 4th May 1946.
2522cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Daimler Dolphin is a 2522cc four door convertible continental tourer with coachwork by Coventry based Charlesworth. The Dolphin was designed in 1938, with a view to providing the usually conservative Daimler brand with a sleek, sporty continental tourer for the 1940's. It's twin SU carburettors feeding the straight six engine eagerly pushed the Dolphin to a top speed approaching 90mph. In 1938 Daimler entered a Dolphin in various rallies including the Scottish six-day rally and the Monte Carlo rally, where it won awards for its coachwork.
With the onset of the Second World War in 1939, the Daimler company moved to war production and the twenty or so vehicles produced by then were stored at the factory. During the second Coventry blitz of April 1941 all but 4 cars were destroyed, with FHP 152 sustaining incendiary bomb damage to the rear of the vehicle. The Charlesworth coachbuilding company, located in the city centre, was completely destroyed, together with the Dolphin body-tooling and patterns.
In September 1941, Winston Churchill paraded around Coventry sitting above the rear seats of a Dolphin (hood down) to boost the morale of the good folk of Coventry, having endured such hardships during the blitz. FHP 152 was repaired by the Daimler company with Bob Crouch, the works manager, becoming its first registered owner in 1946.
The car has been in "Clarke" family ownership since 1959 and was used as family transport for a number of years. After being stored for twenty-five years it underwent a full restoration, completed in 2001. It is believed there are four Daimler Dolphins and a singe Lanchester Dolphin in existence today.
Engine: 6 cylinder, 2522cc petrol with twin SU 7:1 compression ratio. Performance: A 36% improvement over the 'New 15' engine's 64bhp to 90bhp was mainly achieved by inclining overhead valves, repositioning spark plugs in the cylinders and changing exhaust down-pipe configuration. Transmission: Fluid flywheel with Wilson epicyclic 4 speed gearbox with overdrive top. Top Speed: c.86mph.
Vehicle first registered on 4th May 1946.
2522cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Daimler Dolphin is a 2522cc four door convertible continental tourer with coachwork by Coventry based Charlesworth. The Dolphin was designed in 1938, with a view to providing the usually conservative Daimler brand with a sleek, sporty continental tourer for the 1940's. It's twin SU carburettors feeding the straight six engine eagerly pushed the Dolphin to a top speed approaching 90mph. In 1938 Daimler entered a Dolphin in various rallies including the Scottish six-day rally and the Monte Carlo rally, where it won awards for its coachwork.
With the onset of the Second World War in 1939, the Daimler company moved to war production and the twenty or so vehicles produced by then were stored at the factory. During the second Coventry blitz of April 1941 all but 4 cars were destroyed, with FHP 152 sustaining incendiary bomb damage to the rear of the vehicle. The Charlesworth coachbuilding company, located in the city centre, was completely destroyed, together with the Dolphin body-tooling and patterns.
In September 1941, Winston Churchill paraded around Coventry sitting above the rear seats of a Dolphin (hood down) to boost the morale of the good folk of Coventry, having endured such hardships during the blitz. FHP 152 was repaired by the Daimler company with Bob Crouch, the works manager, becoming its first registered owner in 1946.
The car has been in "Clarke" family ownership since 1959 and was used as family transport for a number of years. After being stored for twenty-five years it underwent a full restoration, completed in 2001. It is believed there are four Daimler Dolphins and a singe Lanchester Dolphin in existence today.
Engine: 6 cylinder, 2522cc petrol with twin SU 7:1 compression ratio. Performance: A 36% improvement over the 'New 15' engine's 64bhp to 90bhp was mainly achieved by inclining overhead valves, repositioning spark plugs in the cylinders and changing exhaust down-pipe configuration. Transmission: Fluid flywheel with Wilson epicyclic 4 speed gearbox with overdrive top. Top Speed: c.86mph.
1950
1955 Daimler Conquest, PCR 896
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 8th November 2024. Vehicle first registered on 12th October 1955.
2433cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
One of the sensations at the 1953 London Motor Show was this striking new two-seater coupe known as the 'Roadster' (DJ 254/5). It was no coincidence that it was visually similar to Jaguar's Le Mans winning XK120 with its beautifully hand crafted aluminium body and American style tail fins. Built on the 'Daimler Conquest' Chassis with a few modifications, it won the Institute's silver medal for coachwork at earls court. However, the greatest innovations of the car were with the power unit (later used for the Daimler conquest Century), which enabled the Roadster to run a little over 100mph but with notable fuel economy from an engine lighter by 30lbs than the Conquest's engine.
It was marketed as "Power in a velvet glove."
Published on June 30th 1954, The Motor Road Test revealed that at constant 30mph the fuel consumption was 34.5mpg and averaged 21.4mpg over the full road test. Praise was earned by the precise steering and excellent road holding afforded by the suspension arrangements which matched the performance of the car. The brakes were derived from the Conquest saloon but with 11 inch drums and 2.25 inch linings the friction area increased to 184 Sq. inches. The car was equipped with a hood which required two people to erect and fold down behind the rear seat squabs. Weather protecting side screens were also supplied which were usually stowed in an envelope behind the seats.
The display car was first registered in Jersey, September 1954 and acquired by the current owner in 1994. It is extremely rare, being body no. 14 of just 50 (44 rhd & 6 lhd) hand built examples to leave the factory. The restoration process began in 2014 and was completed in 2019 to an extremely high standard. Among other awards attained was the Best in Show at the DLOC International Rally in July 2024.
Engine: Straight 6-cylinder 2,433cc with 2 horizontal SU carbs., high lift cams., an aluminium head giving 7.75:1 compression ration. Power: 100bhp at 4,400rpm. Price new: £1,673. Coachwork: by Carbodies. Weight: 25.5cwt. (1,283kg). Transmission: Fluid flywheel driving a Daimler (Wilson) pre-select 4 speed epicyclic gearbox. Top speed: 100mph.
2433cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
One of the sensations at the 1953 London Motor Show was this striking new two-seater coupe known as the 'Roadster' (DJ 254/5). It was no coincidence that it was visually similar to Jaguar's Le Mans winning XK120 with its beautifully hand crafted aluminium body and American style tail fins. Built on the 'Daimler Conquest' Chassis with a few modifications, it won the Institute's silver medal for coachwork at earls court. However, the greatest innovations of the car were with the power unit (later used for the Daimler conquest Century), which enabled the Roadster to run a little over 100mph but with notable fuel economy from an engine lighter by 30lbs than the Conquest's engine.
It was marketed as "Power in a velvet glove."
Published on June 30th 1954, The Motor Road Test revealed that at constant 30mph the fuel consumption was 34.5mpg and averaged 21.4mpg over the full road test. Praise was earned by the precise steering and excellent road holding afforded by the suspension arrangements which matched the performance of the car. The brakes were derived from the Conquest saloon but with 11 inch drums and 2.25 inch linings the friction area increased to 184 Sq. inches. The car was equipped with a hood which required two people to erect and fold down behind the rear seat squabs. Weather protecting side screens were also supplied which were usually stowed in an envelope behind the seats.
The display car was first registered in Jersey, September 1954 and acquired by the current owner in 1994. It is extremely rare, being body no. 14 of just 50 (44 rhd & 6 lhd) hand built examples to leave the factory. The restoration process began in 2014 and was completed in 2019 to an extremely high standard. Among other awards attained was the Best in Show at the DLOC International Rally in July 2024.
Engine: Straight 6-cylinder 2,433cc with 2 horizontal SU carbs., high lift cams., an aluminium head giving 7.75:1 compression ration. Power: 100bhp at 4,400rpm. Price new: £1,673. Coachwork: by Carbodies. Weight: 25.5cwt. (1,283kg). Transmission: Fluid flywheel driving a Daimler (Wilson) pre-select 4 speed epicyclic gearbox. Top speed: 100mph.
1955 Daimler Conquest, PCR 896
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 8th November 2024. Vehicle first registered on 12th October 1955.
2433cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
One of the sensations at the 1953 London Motor Show was this striking new two-seater coupe known as the 'Roadster' (DJ 254/5). It was no coincidence that it was visually similar to Jaguar's Le Mans winning XK120 with its beautifully hand crafted aluminium body and American style tail fins. Built on the 'Daimler Conquest' Chassis with a few modifications, it won the Institute's silver medal for coachwork at earls court. However, the greatest innovations of the car were with the power unit (later used for the Daimler conquest Century), which enabled the Roadster to run a little over 100mph but with notable fuel economy from an engine lighter by 30lbs than the Conquest's engine.
It was marketed as "Power in a velvet glove."
Published on June 30th 1954, The Motor Road Test revealed that at constant 30mph the fuel consumption was 34.5mpg and averaged 21.4mpg over the full road test. Praise was earned by the precise steering and excellent road holding afforded by the suspension arrangements which matched the performance of the car. The brakes were derived from the Conquest saloon but with 11 inch drums and 2.25 inch linings the friction area increased to 184 Sq. inches. The car was equipped with a hood which required two people to erect and fold down behind the rear seat squabs. Weather protecting side screens were also supplied which were usually stowed in an envelope behind the seats.
The display car was first registered in Jersey, September 1954 and acquired by the current owner in 1994. It is extremely rare, being body no. 14 of just 50 (44 rhd & 6 lhd) hand built examples to leave the factory. The restoration process began in 2014 and was completed in 2019 to an extremely high standard. Among other awards attained was the Best in Show at the DLOC International Rally in July 2024.
Engine: Straight 6-cylinder 2,433cc with 2 horizontal SU carbs., high lift cams., an aluminium head giving 7.75:1 compression ration. Power: 100bhp at 4,400rpm. Price new: £1,673. Coachwork: by Carbodies. Weight: 25.5cwt. (1,283kg). Transmission: Fluid flywheel driving a Daimler (Wilson) pre-select 4 speed epicyclic gearbox. Top speed: 100mph.
2433cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
One of the sensations at the 1953 London Motor Show was this striking new two-seater coupe known as the 'Roadster' (DJ 254/5). It was no coincidence that it was visually similar to Jaguar's Le Mans winning XK120 with its beautifully hand crafted aluminium body and American style tail fins. Built on the 'Daimler Conquest' Chassis with a few modifications, it won the Institute's silver medal for coachwork at earls court. However, the greatest innovations of the car were with the power unit (later used for the Daimler conquest Century), which enabled the Roadster to run a little over 100mph but with notable fuel economy from an engine lighter by 30lbs than the Conquest's engine.
It was marketed as "Power in a velvet glove."
Published on June 30th 1954, The Motor Road Test revealed that at constant 30mph the fuel consumption was 34.5mpg and averaged 21.4mpg over the full road test. Praise was earned by the precise steering and excellent road holding afforded by the suspension arrangements which matched the performance of the car. The brakes were derived from the Conquest saloon but with 11 inch drums and 2.25 inch linings the friction area increased to 184 Sq. inches. The car was equipped with a hood which required two people to erect and fold down behind the rear seat squabs. Weather protecting side screens were also supplied which were usually stowed in an envelope behind the seats.
The display car was first registered in Jersey, September 1954 and acquired by the current owner in 1994. It is extremely rare, being body no. 14 of just 50 (44 rhd & 6 lhd) hand built examples to leave the factory. The restoration process began in 2014 and was completed in 2019 to an extremely high standard. Among other awards attained was the Best in Show at the DLOC International Rally in July 2024.
Engine: Straight 6-cylinder 2,433cc with 2 horizontal SU carbs., high lift cams., an aluminium head giving 7.75:1 compression ration. Power: 100bhp at 4,400rpm. Price new: £1,673. Coachwork: by Carbodies. Weight: 25.5cwt. (1,283kg). Transmission: Fluid flywheel driving a Daimler (Wilson) pre-select 4 speed epicyclic gearbox. Top speed: 100mph.
1959 Daimler SP250, XHP 438
Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 10th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 24th March 1959.
2547cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This is the oldest surviving Daimler SP250, built in early 1959 as chassis 100002, the third of the three prototypes. The other two prototypes, chassis 100000 and 100001 built in 1958, were dismantled when their testing was completed. Registered as XHP 438, it was used as the company press car with reports featuring in Autocar and Motor magazines and the front cover of Vogue, among others.
Towards the end of 1959 the car went back to Daimler for a refurbishment and then in February 1960 was sold through the trade. Its first private owner was Mr Donald Harley who worked on the 'Eagle' comic as the illustrator on 'Dan Dare'. In March 1962 Mr Harley exchanged it for a Sunbeam Alpine. From then to 1977 it went through four owners around England before being exported to Holland and receiving a Dutch registration 60 TS 15. This owner then moved from Holland to Canada taking the car with him, although making little use of it, putting it into storage for almost ten years.
In 1987 it was sent off to auction where it was bought by two Canadian brothers, Doug and Gary Titosky, who started on a 30-year restoration project. In 2019 the part-restored car was bought by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and re-imported to England and its original registration number re-issued. The car was displayed on the ~SP250 Owners Club stand at the NEW Classic Motor Show in November and the Titoskys flew over from Canada for the show. It was featured in the November 2019 Daimler Lanchester Owners Club magazine 'Driving Member'.
The SP250 was designed to open up a new market sector in the US for Daimler, with a small sports car powered by a brand new 2 1/2 litre V8 engine. The engine was designed by Edward Turner using motorbike engineering philosophy and produced in both 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 litre versions. The new car was in every respect a departure from traditional Daimler practice. The chassis was based on the Triumph TR3, a manual gearbox was an option (Daimler had previously favoured pre-select gearboxes), Girling disc brakes on all four wheels were standard and the body was fibreglass. The SP250 was launched at the New York Motor Show in April 1959 and was first called the Daimler Dart. Chrylser Corporation protested that they had this name registered for a Dodge and threatened legal action. With little time to come up with a new name, Daimler used the project number SP250 as the model number.
Sadly, no sooner had Daimler introduced the car than the US market went into recession, and the hoped-for large scale sales in the USA never materialised. This was perhaps just as well, since there were numerous build quality problems, mainly with the body but caused by chassis flex. These were partly addressed when Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960 and brought out the 'B spec' version. The final production figure of 2,654 cars made between 1959 and 1964 was far short of Daimler's original forecast of 1,500 in the first year and 3,000 in each of the 2nd and 3rd years of production.
Registration mark: XHP 438 (24/03/1959). Engine: 2,547cc V8. Chassis number: 100002. Price new: £1,395. Owner: The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.
Vehicle first registered on 24th March 1959.
2547cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This is the oldest surviving Daimler SP250, built in early 1959 as chassis 100002, the third of the three prototypes. The other two prototypes, chassis 100000 and 100001 built in 1958, were dismantled when their testing was completed. Registered as XHP 438, it was used as the company press car with reports featuring in Autocar and Motor magazines and the front cover of Vogue, among others.
Towards the end of 1959 the car went back to Daimler for a refurbishment and then in February 1960 was sold through the trade. Its first private owner was Mr Donald Harley who worked on the 'Eagle' comic as the illustrator on 'Dan Dare'. In March 1962 Mr Harley exchanged it for a Sunbeam Alpine. From then to 1977 it went through four owners around England before being exported to Holland and receiving a Dutch registration 60 TS 15. This owner then moved from Holland to Canada taking the car with him, although making little use of it, putting it into storage for almost ten years.
In 1987 it was sent off to auction where it was bought by two Canadian brothers, Doug and Gary Titosky, who started on a 30-year restoration project. In 2019 the part-restored car was bought by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and re-imported to England and its original registration number re-issued. The car was displayed on the ~SP250 Owners Club stand at the NEW Classic Motor Show in November and the Titoskys flew over from Canada for the show. It was featured in the November 2019 Daimler Lanchester Owners Club magazine 'Driving Member'.
The SP250 was designed to open up a new market sector in the US for Daimler, with a small sports car powered by a brand new 2 1/2 litre V8 engine. The engine was designed by Edward Turner using motorbike engineering philosophy and produced in both 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 litre versions. The new car was in every respect a departure from traditional Daimler practice. The chassis was based on the Triumph TR3, a manual gearbox was an option (Daimler had previously favoured pre-select gearboxes), Girling disc brakes on all four wheels were standard and the body was fibreglass. The SP250 was launched at the New York Motor Show in April 1959 and was first called the Daimler Dart. Chrylser Corporation protested that they had this name registered for a Dodge and threatened legal action. With little time to come up with a new name, Daimler used the project number SP250 as the model number.
Sadly, no sooner had Daimler introduced the car than the US market went into recession, and the hoped-for large scale sales in the USA never materialised. This was perhaps just as well, since there were numerous build quality problems, mainly with the body but caused by chassis flex. These were partly addressed when Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960 and brought out the 'B spec' version. The final production figure of 2,654 cars made between 1959 and 1964 was far short of Daimler's original forecast of 1,500 in the first year and 3,000 in each of the 2nd and 3rd years of production.
Registration mark: XHP 438 (24/03/1959). Engine: 2,547cc V8. Chassis number: 100002. Price new: £1,395. Owner: The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.
1960
1960 Daimler Dart, 4747 RF
Image taken at Thurnham Classic Car Show on 18th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st March, 2000.
2547cc petrol engine.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st March, 2000.
2547cc petrol engine.
1960 Daimler Dart, 4747 RF
Image taken at Thurnham Classic Car Show on 18th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st March, 2000.
2547cc petrol engine.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st March, 2000.
2547cc petrol engine.
1964 Daimler SP250, 782 HLE
Image taken at Warwickshire Classic & Performance Motor Show on 11th August, 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 6th February, 1964.
2548cc petrol engine.
Vehicle first registered on 6th February, 1964.
2548cc petrol engine.
1964 Daimler SP250, 782 HLE
Image taken at Warwickshire Classic & Performance Motor Show on 11th August, 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 6th February, 1964.
2548cc petrol engine.
Vehicle first registered on 6th February, 1964.
2548cc petrol engine.
1964 Daimler SP250, 782 HLE
Image taken at Warwickshire Classic & Performance Motor Show on 11th August, 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 6th February, 1964.
2548cc petrol engine.
Vehicle first registered on 6th February, 1964.
2548cc petrol engine.
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