LOT 453

1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupé Registration no. 375 YUH Chassis no. 59083

Sold for £24,750 inc. premium

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Lot 453

1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupé
Registration no. 375 YUH Chassis no. 59083

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|5 September 2021, 10:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupé
Registration no. 375 YUH
Chassis no. 59083

Odometer reading: 1,475
MOT: Exempt

*Extensively restored example
*Winner of best car in show at Tatton Park in 2016
*Large history file with original handbooks

Footnotes

Development of the pre-war Daimler Fifteen culminated with the DB18 model announced for 1939. Independent suspension appeared for the first time on a Daimler and the DB18 featured an enlarged, 2,522cc version of the overhead-valve six first introduced in 1933. Daimler's customary fluid flywheel, pre-selector gearbox and worm drive rear axle comprised the transmission. A new drophead coupé appeared at the first post-war London Motor Show in 1948: the DB18 Special Sports. Stylish in a most un-Daimler-like manner, the Special Sports featured coachwork by Barker, the latter, like Daimler and fellow coachbuilders Hooper, being one of the BSA Group's many companies. The radiator grille was now curved, the alloy-panelled coachwork more streamlined, and the Special Sports benefited from hydro-mechanical braking and a power output raised to 85bhp courtesy of twin carburettors. In short: a model combining all the usual Daimler refinements with increased performance. When DB18 production ceased in 1953, only 500-or-so of these elegant and refined Special Sports roadsters had been completed.

Subject to a body off restoration, this 1952 example is finished in red over silver with a beige leather interior and a beige hood. There is a large history file included that contains its original handbook, invoices, bills, and a photographic record of the restoration. Previously domiciled overseas, the car was UK registered in January 2012 under the non-transferable registration mark 375 YUH. The car was then purchased by the previous owner who kept the car for eight years and entered it into the 2016 Tatton Park show, where it won an award for the best car (the trophy of which is included in the sale). The current owner purchased the car in 2020 since purchase there has been a further £7,500 spent on the car. This is a delightfully elegant car to be used and enjoyed.

Vendor Score Total: 90 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 20 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 5
Axles: 5
Suspension: 5
Brakes: 5

INTERIOR TOTAL: 18 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 5
Trim: 5

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4

ENGINE TOTAL: 19 /20
Starting: 5
Running: 5
Under Bonnet: 5
Mechanical components: 4

Car History File: 5

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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Vehicles must be collected from the sale venue by 12 noon on Monday 6 September 2021 after which they will be uplifted to store at the buyers expense.
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Lodge Farm Industrial Estate Northampton NN5 7UA
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