The Daimler DB18 is a British built, executive car, produced by The Daimler Company from 1939 - 1953. Offered with a six-cylinder 2.5L 70hp engine and available as a four door saloon and drop head coupe made by various coachwork firms. The drop top model was favoured by Winston Churchill and used during various election campaigns in the 1940’s where he can be seen atop of the hood addressing the crowds.
This 1950’s registered, Barker built, three position drop head has been in the ownership of an estimated 5 individuals throughout it’s 61 year life. Spending time in Wolverhampton, London and Devon before coming to its current Cornish residence. Originally green, the car has had a paint restoration at some point as well as several mechanical and electrical work over the years and is in good condition ready to be driven and enjoyed or taken to perfection, which wouldn't take a lot.
Included with the drop head are several bills, invoices and notes of mechanical work and parts acquired. There is a buk of invoices from the late 1990’s which seems to coincide with a large refurshiment so both body and mechanics. The latest work was carried out in 2014 which consisted of £4,000 of parts and labour alongside servicing and new tyres all carried out by a classic car specialist. The V5c is present as well as original handbook, parts catalogue and photos from previous ownership.
Condition wise, this car is generally in very good condition. There are few imperfections but overall the body and paint is tidy. The pairing of maroon and white is pleasing to the eye, matching interior and roof really suit the car which in our opinion is down to the tasteful design and paint layout. There’s just
enough maroon surrounding the white body, without it being too distracting or intruding. The chrome work is very much the same, the lady bonnet mascot stands elegantly above the large radiator grill, bumpers are free from damage, hinges and handles are adequate, with only the need for a good polish in most areas to bring them to full splendor.
Maroon continues, with leather seats and matching door cards. Very much the same as the exterior, the inside is in good condition with only a small area of wear on the lower part of the front passenger seat. All gauges and knobs are present, surrounded by a pleasant dark wood dash. It's evident from both condition and paperwork that some sort of refurbishment took place in approximately 1999, this refurb has overall stood the test of time 20 years on.
Upon arrival the car was manoeuvred out of its heated garage to a more favourable location, ready for photographing. Unfortunately due to its lack of use it failed to fire up again upon the second request. Althogh the seller advises us that he does not have any major mechanical concerns, he is emphasising that the car has been garaged and unused for 2 years. The drop head has covered less than 100 miles since being acquired in 2014 but as documented has still had substantial work carried out by a classic car specialist. Some of the work carried out was - complete rewire, new spark plugs, four new tyres, steering box and a service.
This is a fine looking car in many aspects and is only reluctantly up for sale due to the lack of use by the current owner. With the model becoming increasingly rare this car's value will only grow with the right care. It’s links to the famous Sir Winston Churchill give it even further appeal. This fabulous 50’s coupe is a great part of British history and will require very little to go from very good, to perfect.
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1950 Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupe
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