1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupe
Fully restored at a cost of £90,000 between 1999-2000

Registration No: XMK 899
Chassis No: D59131
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of only c.500 made
• Coachwork by Barker & Co.
• The subject of an extensive, chassis up, bare metal restoration during 1999-2000
• Receipts for all work carried out by David Royle & Co Ltd totaling £90,000
• Previous family ownership for most of its life
• Sold into current ownership in 2021 through H&H for a world record price

Development of the pre-war Daimler Fifteen culminated with the DB18 model announced for 1939. Independent suspension appeared for the first time on a Daimler and the DB18 featured an enlarged, 2,522cc version of the overhead-valve six first introduced in 1933. Daimler's customary fluid flywheel, pre-selector gearbox and worm drive rear axle comprised the transmission. A new drophead coupé appeared at the first post-war London Motor Show in 1948: the DB18 Special Sports. Stylish in a most un-Daimler-like manner, the Special Sports featured coachwork by Barker, the latter, like Daimler and fellow coachbuilders Hooper, being one of the BSA Group's many companies. The radiator grille was now curved, the alloy-panelled coachwork more streamlined, and the Special Sports benefited from hydro-mechanical braking and a power output raised to 85bhp courtesy of twin carburettors. In short: a model combining all the usual Daimler refinements with increased performance. When DB18 production ceased, only 500 or so of these elegant and refined Special Sports roadsters had been completed.

This DB18 Special Sports features Barker's distinctive Drophead Coupé coachwork with a bench front seat and single sideways-facing rear seat, one of just 500 produced with this coachwork. It was manufactured in 1952 making it one of the very last coachbuilt examples produced. The stylish open bodywork is finished in attractive two-tone Blue and the interior is trimmed in Dark Blue leather which retains great patina. Previously the property of Harrogate-based businessman Keith Boardall Esq for the majority of its life, 'XMK 899' had unfortunately started to show its age around the time of the millennium. Keith decided to grasp the nettle and appoint the services of respected vehicle restorer David Royle. Work commenced in July of 1999 and saw a comprehensive and full restoration, with absolutely no expense spared on the aesthetics or mechanical components. By December 2000, 'Bertie' was fit for the road once again having received £90,000 of documented and itemised renovation work. A leather-bound photograph album accompanies the car, comprising 121 colour photographs showing work carried out throughout the entire process.

Reputedly seeing little use since 2012, the Daimler was sold through H&H into current ownership (a significant private collection) in 2021 achieving a world record price that has yet to be beaten. Thereafter on static display within the private collection, this DB18 remains highly presentable despite those years of inactivity. Suffering from a slight transmission fluid leak, we would recommend a thorough recommissioning before tackling the open roads. Offered for sale with a current UK V5C registration document and a comprehensive history file containing the aforementioned photograph album and invoices, plus a reprint handbook and much sundry paperwork.

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