214 | THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE
Daimler is one of the few manufacturers that can rightfully claim to have
been established from the birth of the motor industry, and the marque is
still with us today in association with Jaguar. The company's traditions of
sound engineering, design and good workmanship have been maintained
throughout, hardly surprising therefore that Daimler enQoyed a lengthy
association with Royalty as suppliers of motor cars.
Development of the pre-war Daimler Fifteen culminated with the DB1
model announced for 1939. Independent suspension appeared for the
first time on a Daimler and the DB1 featured an enlarged, 2,522cc
version of the overhead-valve six first introduced in 1933. Daimlers
customary Åuid Åywheel, pre-selector gearbox and worm drive rear axle
comprised the transmission. A new drophead coupt appeared at the
first post-war London Motor Show in 194 : the DB1 Special Sports.
Stylish in a most un-Daimler-like manner, the drophead Special Sports
featured coachwork by Barker Co, the latter, like Daimler and fellow
coachbuilders Hooper, being one of the BSA Groups many companies.
The radiator grille was now curved and the alloy-panelled coachwork
more streamlined, and the Special Sports also benefited from hydro-
mechanical braking and a power output raised to 85bhp courtesy of
twin carburettors. 0n short: a model combining all the usual Daimler
refinements with increased performance. There was also a Hooper-
bodied Empress saloon on the same chassis. When DB1 production
ceased in 1953, only 500-or-so of these elegant and refined Special
Sports roadsters had been completed.This DB1 Special Sports was originally delivered in the <K and
was purchased by the current vendor from a private collection in
Luxembourg. Restored in 1992, the car is described as in generally good
condition, benefiting from a new cylinder head gasket (fitted 2015) and
a transmission overhaul carried out at a cost of 7,400 (guaranteed for
12 months). Accompanying documentation consists of the restoration
invoices and the old <K V5 registration document.
£24,000 - 28,000
€28,000 - 32,000175
1951 DAIMLER DB18 SPECIAL SPORTS
DROPHEAD COUPÉ
Registration no. LFF 678
Chassis no. 59032
- Rare coachbuilt sporting Daimler
- One of only 500-or-so made
- Restored in the 1990s
- Recent transmission overhaul