1957 Daimler New Drophead Coupe
1 of only 54 examples produced

Registration No: RSU 534
Chassis No: 90547
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of just 54 examples of the New Drophead Coupe produced
• Long-term previous ownership (from 1989 until 2021)
• Subject to much improvement while in the vendor's ownership
• A uniquely stylish and sporty post-war Daimler

In the post-war years, Daimler were keen to enter the sports car market and wanted to compete with the likes of the Jaguar XK120. In June 1953 a pre-prototype Conquest Roadster 2-seat sports based on a Lanchester design was produced. It was powered by a specially tuned 100 bhp twin carburettor version of the Conquest engine and was a sensation at the 1953 Earls Court Motorshow. The prototype of the ‘’New Drophead Coupe’’, with the famous third seat sitting sideways behind the driver, was presented at the 1955 Earls Court show and was presented with a Coachbuilders Gold Award. The New Drophead Coupe was completely hand-built and consequently so expensive that only 54 were built between 1955 and 1957.

Manufactured in 1957, the New Drophead Coupe offered here is understood to have been initially supplied to Australia in right-hand drive guise. Finished in the striking colour combination of Red paintwork with a complementary Cream vinyl interior upholstery with Red piping, and a Cream hood the Daimler is fitted from the factory with the 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine utilising twin SU carburettors and producing 100bhp, allied to the four-speed pre-selector gearbox coupled with fluid flywheel. Believed to have been repatriated to the United Kingdom in 1989, the Daimler, now registered ‘RSU 534’, was acquired into long-term previous ownership, in which it was retained until 2021.

Subsequently purchased by the vendor and subject to significant improvement, the work completed included top-end refresh with cylinder head de-coked and big end shell replaced on piston four con rod; brake enhancement with two new wheel cylinders and brake drum refresh; new exhaust rear box; attention to the electrics; carburettor refresh; and servicing. Offered with a written breakdown of the work completed, documents relating to several shows that the Daimler attended with the previous owner, and a current V5C document. In regular use and due to be driven to the sale some 60 miles, this rare and uniquely stylish Daimler represents an opportunity not to be missed.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452