Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupe

The Daimler DB18 was launched in 1939 with a 2.5-litre 70bhp overhead-valve six-cylinder engine and was essentially a development of the earlier Daimler New Fifteen. Built on a cruciform-braced chassis with an underslung worm-drive axle and independent front suspension, it had beautifully light worm and roller steering and Girling mechanical brakes. Transmission was by Daimler’s traditional pre-selector gearbox allied to a fluid flywheel. The standard saloon had coachwork by Mulliners of Birmingham but drophead bodies by Charlesworth, Abbott, Barker and Tickford were also available.

First registered in June 1949, this particular Barker-bodied Drophead Coupe was acquired by the current vendor’s father from a garage in North London in 1968 (original invoice on file). After about 12 months’ of regular use the car was on its way to the north of England from London when the big ends went just outside Derby (those were the days!). The vendor vividly remembers being called out to rescue both dad and car and tow him into Mann Egerton of Derby to get the Daimler repaired.

The engine was stripped and rebuilt and various other works carried out before the car was returned to the road and put back into use. Sadly the father then became ill and the car was soon put away and was to remain very little used for the next 40 years – indeed it has probably only covered some 1,000 miles since the engine rebuild.

Last on the road about six years ago, the car is still said to run and drive but will doubtless need a thorough recommissioning before being pressed back into use. Appearing to be in largely sound and original condition throughout, this most interesting car should amply reward the sympathetic restoration that it now requires.