Daimler Fifteen Van (one-off)

History

To the automotive historian, the marque of Daimler is arguably the most important name of all, for in 1896 their acquisition of premises in Coventry may truly be regarded as the laying of the foundations of the British motor industry. During the 1930s, a vast array of models was offered ranging from the Fifteen to the formidable V12 Double Six.

Launched in 1933 the Fifteen was, as the name implies, a relatively small (for Daimler) 15hp car, and was a direct response to growing demand for smaller, owner-driver cars. It marked a radical departure for Daimler from its traditional product range, which featured powerful engines in enormous chassis, clothed in elegant limousine bodies.

The Fifteen was powered by an all-new 1805cc six-cylinder engine, with overhead poppet valves. Whereas most other manufacturers had used poppet-valves all along Daimler had, for some years, adopted the American Knight sleeve-valve system: terrifyingly complex, but virtually silent compared to the unsophisticated overhead valves of the day. The all-new Fifteen heralded the company's return to the old (but by now much-improved) overhead valve set up allied to an all new fluid flywheel transmission with column selector which they had just pioneered.

The car's success was immediate, and it was to continue in various forms for many years, with gradually enlarged engines up to 2.5 litres. In fact, the Fifteen chassis, as modified in 1937, was the direct ancestor of the famous DB-18s, Regencys, One-O-Fours, Majestics and Majestic Majors right into the 1960s.

The Fifteen was available in standard saloon form and several variations direct from the Daimler works in Coventry but, like the larger Daimlers and Lanchesters, it could also be fitted with specialist bodywork by one of the many coachbuilding firms operating before the war.

The example on offer today is one of the very first 1933 models which started out in life as a coupe but was later converted into an open tourer body style. When the current vendor acquired it about five years ago, he decided to completely restore the vehicle and convert it into a van to promote his business. Over a two year period new aluminium bodywork was designed and built around the rear of the vehicle, all mechanical parts were overhauled as necessary and the interior was retrimmed in top quality hide to the front and plywood sheathing to the rear load bay.

Now said to be in good driving condition throughout, this highly distinctive vehicle is ready to put straight to work and would make a fabulous promotional tool for any business.

NB Please note this vehicle has been signwritten since these photos were taken.