Registration No: IOM Registration
Chassis No: 87672
MOT: Exempt

• One of just 234 Drophead Coupes understood to have been produced
• Partially completed restoration project
• Running and driving but will require further recommissioning
• Accompanying history file
• Offered from the late Robert Riding’s Estate, the vast majority of which has been left to charity with the RNLI as the predominant beneficiary

A replacement for the now outmoded Consort, the Conquest first saw the light of day in the Spring of 1953. The newcomer's chassis and running gear were direct developments of those underpinning the Lanchester 14 and included a cruciform chassis suspended by double wishbones and laminated torsion bars at the front, and conventional leaf springs at the rear. Braking was by Girling hydro/mechanical drums and steering by cam and peg. Power came from a straight-six engine of 2433cc that produced some 75bhp. From 1954, a more potent version of the car known as the Conquest Century became available. Courtesy of a big-valve alloy cylinder head, twin SU carburetters, higher compression, and high-lift camshaft, Daimler managed to hike the output to 100bhp - sufficient to accelerate the 3,117 lb car to 60mph in 16.3 seconds and on to a terminal speed of 90mph. This proved to be the most popular of the two Saloon variants, with 4,818 examples eventually made as opposed to 4,568 of the lesser powered car. The Drophead Coupe completed the model line, with Daimler Company describing the car with the “power-operated hood folded away you have a fast open tourer that just laps up the miles. In seconds, when required, the hood comes up to the elegant "de ville" position; and a further simple adjustment gives you a snug closed car with the warmth and comfort of a saloon.”

One of just 234 Drophead Coupes understood to have been produced, chassis 87672 was manufactured in 1955 and registered new on the 10^th of February that year, being registered new to a Willerby & Co. Ltd. of London W1 as ‘PXR 739’. Fitted with the 2433cc straight-six engine allied to the three-speed pre-selector gearbox, the Daimler presents in Dark Blue paintwork, with a complementary Dark Blue leather interior upholstery. Entering into the Robert Furniss Riding collection last year, the Drophead is offered from the late Robert Riding’s Estate the vast majority of which has been left to charity with the RNLI as the predominant beneficiary.

Subject to much-documented improvement work through the 1960s, upon entering into the custody of the first private owner, the renovation included a complete engine overhaul, electrical remediation, and steering refreshment. A worthy restoration project, since entering the collection in 2021, the Daimler has benefitted from engine recommissioning, removal of filler and rust in the bodywork, and some fabrication of repair panels to the cost of some £2,100 in total. Offered with a history file that contains the original ‘Buff’ RF60 logbook, invoices relating to the work completed in the 1960s, correspondence with Stratstone Ltd. and the first private owner, invoices relating to the restoration work already partook, an owner’s handbook, and a selection of MOT certificates from the 1970s/80s.

PLEASE NOTE: We have been advised that vehicles registered on, and imported from, the Isle of Man are not subject to Import Duty. Nor is a NOVA application required for their re-registration in the United Kingdom.

About the late Robert Furniss Riding:

Born in 1940, the only child of only children parents, Bob was educated at Stockport Grammar School then read natural sciences at Christ Church, Oxford. He joined William Deacon’s Bank, and had a stellar ascent through it and its subsequent iterations ending up as Group Treasurer of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He grasped the opportunity of early retirement in 1990 and moved to the Isle of Man where he had been left a house by an aunt. But Bob was far from being inactive, throwing himself into the local community and taking on the turnaround of a local private bank as its Executive Chairman.

Sailing had been a preoccupation during his time in the City, but on coming to the Isle of Man, Bob switched his energies and focus to collecting “quality cars” – principally the products of Cricklewood, Derby and Crewe, but with some maverick exceptions such as Maserati and Caterham. Daimlers and Lanchesters also featured, and he had to move to a large country house to find garaging for the ever-growing collection. His cars were regularly campaigned at rallies for the appropriate marque and were often deserved winners of various trophies. He also got involved in the relevant enthusiast clubs, usually ending up as Chairman – and his list of appointments included the Chairmanship of the Manx Classic Car Club and the Manx Motor Racing Club.

Bob was always a keen supporter of local charities, particularly maritime and those involving young people, and many will have cause to remember with gratitude his generosity and his apparently bottomless well of technical knowledge on “quality cars”, so freely shared. Bob left his Estate predominantly to Charity with the RNLI being the Residuary Beneficiary. Thus, in effect, the entire proceeds of the car collection sale will be received by the RNLI.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452