1951 Daimler DB 18 Special Sports Aluminum-Bodied Drophead Coupe by Barker in Auburn, IN

To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall event, September 1-4, 2016.

Chassis No.
44312

Estimate:
$ 30,000 - $ 35,000 US

A subsidiary of Daimler in Germany; Daimler was Britain’s oldest car builder. The company’s traditions of sound engineering, design and good workmanship have been maintained throughout, hardly unexpected for that reason Daimler enjoyed a lengthy association with Royalty as suppliers of motorcars. Jaguar purchased Daimler in the early 1960s and the top-line Vanden Plas models still carried the Daimler fluted grille.

Barker Coachbuilders forwarded this exceptionally attractive European design that exhibits beautifully balanced proportions and graceful, sweeping curves formed from aluminum.

From reports, it seems as if approximately 500 of these cars were built and those sold in period into the United States appears to be very limited in number. This Daimler originally ran with a rather small 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with a Wilson pre-selector gearbox. This unit has been replaced with a larger, more powerful and dependable Ford 250-cid six-cylinder engine and a AODE modern overdrive automatic transmission. Professionally installed; this results in a car that is not only more dependable, but makes it more modern, easier and faster as a driver.

Over $12,000 has been invested into mechanical improvements and restoration. The Daimler has aged, yet luxurious front split seating with generous legroom and rear sideways “mother-in-law” seat. The right-hand drive car has fitted luggage, picnic set, wood interior trim elements, rear fender skirts, two-tone paint, 12-volt negative ground and new Excelsior Stahl radial tires.

The owner of this 1951 Daimler Special Sports Drophead Coupe by Barker is generously donating the proceeds of its sale to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum.