1925 Daimler 20hp Landaulette

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: 23643
Mot Expiry: None

The mid-1920s saw Daimler cars still firmly established at the top end of the market, and there is no doubt that the original purchaser of this formal-bodied car was a person of considerable means, as well as taste. The firm's policy of offering a wide range models achieved its zenith in 1925, when no fewer than eighteen different chassis were catalogued, breaking down into ten different engine sizes, all six-cylindered, and subdivided further by wheelbase. The 20hp model was available in three wheelbase options, the T20 being the longest at 11ft 7ins, and therefore ideal for carrying formal coachwork. That on this car, notably handsome and well-proportioned, is by Brainsby Woollard Motor Bodies, of Peterborough.

The engine dimensions of the 20hp Daimler were 73.5 x 104mm (2649ccs), the engine was the Knight patent double sleeve valve, and had a monobloc cylinder casting. A vibration damper is carried on the front of the crankshaft. A single plate clutch took the drive to a four-speed and reverse centre-change gearbox. Detachable wire wheels carried 835 x 135 beaded edge tyres. Four-wheel braking was fitted and the handbrake, which operated on a transmission drum, pushed on. The rear axle is of the familiar Daimler design, featuring underslung worm drive.

Under the bonnet is clean, and the Autovac fuel vacuum tank and a Klaxon horn are mounted on the bulkhead. The driving compartment is well-presented and the dashboard is original and contains a Watford 0 - 60 speedometer and Rotax switchboard. The rear compartment, separated from the chauffeur by a quickly lowerable glass partition, features two folding occasional seats, silk blinds and fine polished marquetry panels inside the doors, and a speaking tube is fitted to convey the owner's instructions to the chauffeur. The upholstery is in the original deep red leather, front and rear, and this is in good condition. The folding rear quarter is covered in patent leather, and the three panel windscreen has been fitted with laminated safety glass. Above the chauffeur, who did not enjoy the luxury of side windows, is a roof of thin timber strips. There is a radiator cap-mounted Calormeter water temperature gauge.

The vendor recalls being engaged in conversation when out on a rally in the 1970s by a spectator, who told him, "I used to drive that car!" It transpired that this man had been chauffeur-gardener to the original owner, who lived in Windermere in the Lake District. The former registration number was a London issue of May, 1925. This Daimler has been displayed in a Scottish museum for a good number of years, and on its return the engine was discovered to have become stuck. It was apparently running satisfactorily when last used. Relatively little work would appear to be necessary to return this Daimler to running order (though, as with any restoration project there may well be unforeseen difficulties), and a fresh coat of paint would transform the appearance of a most handsome car.