1951 Daimler DB18

Footnotes

Daimler is one of the few manufacturers that can rightfully claim to have been established from the birth of the motor industry. The company's traditions of sound engineering, innovative design and good workmanship were maintained throughout, hardly surprising therefore that Daimler enjoyed a lengthy association with Royalty as suppliers of motor cars.

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 & Company, the latter, like Daimler and fellow coachbuilders Hooper, being one of the BSA Group's 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. 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.

Built and first registered in 1951, this rare DB18 Special Sports is an older professional restoration that is holding up very well. Previously registered as 'PRB 522' in the UK. The current owner bought the Daimler in 2004. Finished in two-tone dark brown/sand with red interior, this most handsome British quality car comes with Dutch registration papers, some invoices for work carried out, and an owner's manual.