For Sale at Auction: 1952 Daimler DB18 in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. 53903

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

With a tradition for sound engineering paired with a quality design and good workmanship, Daimler would quickly become the official transportation of the British Royal Family. Having just released the DB18 in 1939, the outbreak of World War II would result in the majority being constructed following the conflict. Now offering independent suspension and Daimler's customary fluid flywheel pre-selector gearbox, an all new drophead coupe would appear at the first post-war London Motor Show in 1948.

Established in 1805, Hooper & Co., based in Westminster, London, specialized in creating top-tier, coachbuilt bodies and responsible for bodying the first ever royal car which was delivered on a Daimler chassis. Proudly building bodies without consideration of cost, these models were not meant to be sporty but rather focused on stately, elegant designs. While many exquisite designs were crafted by coachbuilders for the Daimler DB18, only one of these designs can make the claim of first being built for King George VI - the drophead coupe bodied by Hooper & Co.

This example, produced in 1952 just before the final model year, has the privilege of being one of the very few DB18 models to receive similar drophead coupe Hooper & Co. coachwork to that first built for King George VI. As expected, this Daimler was an extensively well optioned vehicle for 1952, equipped with a solid wood curved dashboard made from Australian camphor wood, automated convertible top, and power windows. The only known DB18 to feature such coachwork in North America, it is believed that only six DB18 would ever receive these special Hooper & Co. bodies. First delivered to Esquire Wallace May of Birmingham, England in 1952, it was eventually purchased by Mr. Ernest Stern of Pittsburgh, PA who imported the vehicle to the USA in 1972. A multi-faceted entrepreneur and car collector, some estimate Mr. Stern owned nearly 400 cars at his time of passing in 1989 of which his estate would sell soon after. It was during this time that the Daimler passed to its most recent caretaker in 1995.

Smartly enjoying the Daimler for a number of years, it was not until 2012 that the current owner commissioned a complete ground-up restoration. Completed in 2017, this Daimler was exquisitely restored to its current two-tone British Racing Green and Tan over a Tan leather interior. As per the consignor, only three of the original Hooper & Co. bodied drophead coupes still remain, making this a truly special opportunity to acquire a remarkably rare and collectible vehicle that without exaggeration, is truly fit for royalty.