Lot details
Registration No: EHP 282
Chassis No: 47030
Mot Expiry: Apr 2012

Able to call upon the engineering talents of such luminaries as Laurence Pomeroy and George Lanchester, Daimler enjoyed a hard won reputation for quality and innovation during the 1930s. Introduced in 1939 as a replacement for the New Fifteen, the DB18 was based around a solidly wrought box-section chassis equipped with independent front suspension (a marque first), an underslung worm-drive axle, Marles worm-and-roller steering and Girling four-wheel drum brakes. Powered by a smooth 2522cc OHV straight-six engine allied to four-speed pre-selector transmission (the latter incorporating Daimler's famously advanced fluid flywheel), the newcomer was reputedly capable of 76mph and 22mpg. Built to a standard that befitted the holders of a Royal warrant, the model could be had in a variety of open or closed guises (though the majority were bodied as four-door Saloons by Mulliners of Birmingham). Recommencing after World War Two, DB18 production continued until 1950, when the model was superseded by the Conquest. By this time some 2,500 examples are thought to have been sold.

The 1939 DB18 Saloon now offered underwent a bodywork restoration in the early 1990s and is still presentable, complete with fully operational sliding roof. The original leather is nicely patinated and replacement Wilton carpets have been fitted. `EHP 282' has covered very little mileage since the restoration (photographs of which are included) and, following another period of storage it was recommissioned in 2008. The brakes were overhauled, new king pins and front suspension joints installed and an MOT certificate obtained. Now believed to be pretty rare - there are only four similar cars recorded on the Daimler Lanchester Owners Club register - the sale car comes with a large quantity of club correspondence, service data sheet, old MOTs and the aforementioned restoration photographs. The Daimler was acquired by the vendor at our July 2010 sale and he currently considers the bodywork to be "good for the year", the paintwork and pre-selector transmission to be "good" and the trim and six-cylinder engine to be "fair". The car is finished in Black complemented by a Tan leather interior and is taxed until the end of March 2012 and MOT'd into April.