1949 Daimler DB18 Foursome Drophead Coupe
Coachwork by Barker

Lot 39 (Imperial War Museum Duxford, 14th October 2020)

Sold for £14,625

(including buyers premium)

Lot details

Registration No: ETP585
Chassis No: 53135
MOT: Exempt

• Improved during the current ownership with new rear springs, Avon tyres all round, a stainless steel exhaust and a replacement windscreen
• 2.5 litre straight-six OHV engine allied to four-speed pre-selector transmission
• An elegant and usable four-seater that is described by the vendor as being in 'good overall' condition
• Capacious boot, hood cover, cream faced instruments, opening windscreen

First registered in Portsmouth on July 11^th 1949 (or so its ‘ETP 585’ number plated would imply), chassis 53135 pleasingly retains its original Foursome Drophead Coupe coachwork by Barker. Capable of being driven with its hood in fully open, enclosed or Sedanca positions, the Daimler is described by the vendor as being in ‘good’ condition with regard to its 2.5 litre OHV straight-six engine, four-speed pre-selector transmission, electrical equipment, paintwork and interior trim (while, he rates the bodywork as ‘very good’). Entering the current ownership during June 2017, the DB18 has since been treated to a new stainless-steel exhaust, replacement windscreen, fresh tyres all round and refurbished rear springs. Starting readily on inspection, ‘ETP 585’ ran well en route to the photography location. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.

Model Background:

Though Daimler's DB18 model was introduced in 1939, most examples were manufactured post-WW2. Known as the 2½ litre or Consort, it was available in a variety of open and closed guises (though, most were bodied as four-door saloons). Foursome Drophead Coupe designs were produced by both Tickford and Barker, while the latter coachbuilder was also responsible for a more rakish Special Sports derivative. Powered by a six-cylinder OHV engine of 2522cc, the DB18 could reach 50mph in 17.9 seconds and some 76mph flat out.