• One of only 500-or-so manufactured
• Coachbuilt exclusivity
• Very few survivors
• Large history file available

"Strikingly good looking, and with a talent for rapid and exceedingly smooth long-distance travel, the Daimler is a car which anyone can appreciate. Responding also to intelligent handling of the controls by giving the ultimate in smoothly quick progress, is is a simple-to-drive car which, nevertheless, has a very special appeal for the keen driver." - The Motor, 14th June 1950, testing the 2½-litre Special Sports Coupé.

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 existed in association with Jaguar until 2010 when the brand was terminated. The company's traditions of sound engineering, design and good workmanship were maintained throughout, hardly surprising therefore that Daimler enjoyed a lengthy association with Royalty as suppliers of the finest motor cars.

Development of the pre-war Daimler Fifteen had 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 & Co, 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 some 500 of these elegant and refined Special Sports models had been completed.

This DB18 was delivered new in black over grey to a Mr Derek Fazackerley of Preston, Lancashire. This example of Daimler's hand-built sporting soft-top was acquired for the collection at a UK auction in April 2008 (purchase receipt on file). The collection staff have carried out light recommissioning, which consisted of a rebuilding of the carburettors and a new battery after a long period of static display, we would advise close inspection before returning to the road for regular use. Accompanying documentation includes owners' club correspondence; parts invoices from the 1980s; old MoTs and tax discs; an invoice for trim materials dated 2015; a copy of an old-style buff logbook; and an old V5 registration document (the DVLA database lists the car as exported).

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.