1914 Daimler 20hp TW20 Landaulette

Lot details
Registration No: DN 568
Chassis No: 12386
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Supplied new to Wm. Henry Thackwray of York and meticulously restored by Veteran and Vintage specialist Richard Peskett

- Winner of the 'Best Car' award at the Daimler Centenary Rally in Coventry during June 1996

- VCC dated and engine thoroughly overhauled during the current ownership

- Featured in the award-winning Merchant Ivory film 'Maurice' (1987)

The choice of no fewer than five Royal Families during the Edwardian Era, Daimler enjoyed an enviable reputation for engineering excellence and finely crafted coachwork. Eschewing conventional poppet valves for sleeve ones, the Coventry marque's engines were praised by The Autocar for their 'extraordinary combination of silence, flexibility and power'. Indeed, the Royal Automobile Club awarded Daimler its highly prestigious Dewar Trophy in 1909 after two such powerplants endured a series of gruelling bench, road and track tests without showing appreciable wear. Introduced in 1912, the 20hp was based around a substantial ladder frame chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension (semi-elliptic front / cantilever back) and rear wheel brakes. Powered by a 3.3 litre four-cylinder sleeve-valve engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the newcomer could be had with a variety of open and closed bodystyles. Arguably, offering the best of both, the 'Bodmin' Landaulette could accommodate four / six in comfort with those in the back able to choose between enclosed or al fresco motoring thanks to its fold-down roof. Only in production until 1915, examples of the Daimler 20hp saw service with both King George V and the Empress of Korea.

According to the City of York Council's original registration book, this particular example - chassis 12386 - was issued with the number plate 'DN 568' on February 11th 1914. Listed as a '20hp Daimler Landaulette - Green', its first owner was William Henry Thackwray of Fir Royd, Acomb Road, York. Thought to have remained in the same county for forty odd years because (a) the October 1950 issue of Motor Sport magazine records that W. Collingbourne won the Mr Steele Concours Cup at the Veteran Car Club's Scarborough Rally with his Daimler and (b) J.W. Collingbourne was mentioned in the VCC's report when they issued the 20hp with a dating certificate on 29th July 1953, the car had been acquired by VCC member Arthur Bosworth before the decade's end. Migrating to Devon thereafter, 'DN 568' subsequently belonged to Ted Woolley, Tony Simons, Edgar Richardson and Ronald Harris. A letter on file from Mr Richardson to Mr Harris notes: 'In all the years we had the car I used it to go all over England and Ireland and the Isle of Man also many trips to France and in all that time I never once had a breakdown'. Somewhat careworn after its travels which included appearing in the well-reviewed Merchant Ivory film 'Maurice' (1987), the Daimler was entrusted to experienced veteran restorer Richard Peskett of Hindhead, Surrey.

Beginning work in October 1995, Mr Peskett undertook an extensive, body off, chassis up refurbishment of the car. With a brief to adhere as closely as possible to the 20hp's original specification but to make it fully functional once more, he fitted a correct type but replacement engine (to which its predecessor's ID plaque was affixed) and had new gearbox internals fabricated (at a cost of some £6,609.10) as well as thoroughly overhauling the rest of the running gear. The original ash framing and plywood panelling were preserved where possible and replaced where not. The wiring was renewed, the instruments rejuvenated and the CAV headlamps restored. New wings and running boards were made and the interior retrimmed with green leather upfront and grey cloth with grey / white brocade detailing to the rear. Sporting a side-mounted spare wheel, roof-mounted luggage rack, speaking tube, silk blinds and occasional seats, the Bodmin Landaulette was refinished in Deep Royal Green over Black with Red coachlines and monograms to its rear doors in time to receive the 'Best Car' Trophy at the Daimler Centenary Rally during 1996. Successfully completing the VCC President's Tour in 2004 - a 500-mile run through the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, Scotland and Yorkshire Wolds - 'DN 568' was bought by William Hughes that same year.

Purchased by the vendor as a replacement for his Edwardian Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost in March 2009, the Daimler has since won awards at the Audlem (2012), Nantwich (2012) and Daimler Lanchester Owners' Club 50th Anniversary (2014) Shows. The 20hp engine was treated to new white metal bearings, Arrow conrods and a fresh piston in 2010, while the past winter has seen the steering box and driveshafts fettled. Fitted from new with an electric starter, this very elegant and imposing Edwardian Daimler remains highly presentable. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, 'Best Car' Daimler Centenary Trophy and large history file.