Daimler Conquest Century

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Daimler’s Conquest entered production in early 1953, the model replacing the outmoded Consort.

The new car’s chassis was a direct development of the Lanchester 14; a cruciform affair with double wishbones and torsion bar suspension at the front, leaf springs and live axle at the rear. Motive power came from a 2433cc straight-six version of the four-pot Lanchester 14 engine that produced around 75bhp.

For those wanting some extra oomph, a higher performance Conquest Century was launched in 1954. Equipped with a big-valve alloy cylinder head, twin SU carburettors, higher compression and high-lift camshaft, the Century boasted 100bhp (hence the name), a 0-60mph time of 16.3 seconds and a 90mph top speed.

The Century was the more popular of the two saloon variants, with 4,818 examples made (as opposed to 4,568 of the lesser-powered car) while a roadster version was also offered. Production ended in 1958.

This relatively late example of the more powerful Century model underwent a full body restoration some five years ago. More recently, the interior has also been refurbished with carpets, dashboard, seats and interior panels all being renovated or replaced.

The car is of course MOT exempt (the last ticket expiring in April 2012) but is displaying a tax disc valid until July 2015. Said to have been running very nicely on its last outing, the car is ‘on the button’ and ready for a new owner to enjoy.