1931 Daimler Double Six Sport Drophead Coupe

Daimler, one of the earliest British marques and one with a reputation for excellence, introduced the Double Six at the 1926 Olympia Motor Show, just a year after Rolls-Royce introduced its Phaeton. Its 7-liter Double Six 50, the ultimate Daimler, was a masterwork of engineering merging four banks of three cylinders in a 60-degree V, delivering 150 horsepower. This Daimler Double Six 50 rests on a special chassis modified by Reed Railton of Thompson & Taylor to allow for the lowest possible profile; it is underslung with a compact rear and elongated front. It was initially thought that perhaps two or three such chassis were created, but more research suggests there was just this one - and it has borne three bodies. An initial open tourer was rapidly followed by a close-coupled closed car. Then, after an early accident, the car was rebodied by Corsica with this Drophead Coupe - a magnificent, slightly menacing creation that might have suited Cruella de Vil. 'I bought this car because it made my heart skip a beat,' said Lee on the awards ramp. 'I guess the judges today agreed with my heart.'

This Daimler Double Six carries chassis number 30661 and appears much different in modern times than it did when it was first constructed. This car has the only underslung rear end created on a Daimler Double Six. The original coachwork was by Thompson and Taylor who followed a design created by Reid Railton. The low-slung design required changes to the engine in order for it to fit properly. A new sump was fitted, the exhaust re-routed, and a new ignition installed.

The car rode on 23-inch wheels and was used by Daimler on the show circuit. In 1929, it was given a drophead coupe body by Thrupp and Maberly. Its first potential owner was Captain Wilson, the creator of the Wilson preselector gearbox. History did not record if the car was loaned to Wilson as an experimental vehicle for his gearbox, or if it passed to his possession. Needless to say, the car has a Wilson preselector gearbox. The Daimler Double Six models that followed also were fitted with this gearbox.

In the early 1930s, the car returned to the factory's possession where it was given a fixed-head body. It was given registration number 'GP4831' on July 1st of 1931 and passed to a new owner.

The colorful history of the car continued, as the new owners were involved in an accident while trying to avoid oncoming traffic. The husband and wife were unharmed and the car required only minor repairs. After this experience, the wife was unwilling to ride in the vehicle, so the car was sold in its wrecked condition. The new owner had coachbuilder Corsica modify the car to accommodate four passengers and drop-top configuration. The car has retained this configuration in modern times.

The car passed through two more owners, before entering the possession of the Burnett family in 1963. The family kept the car for over forty years, before selling to RM Classic Cars in 2004. RM secured a buyer for the vehicle, who commissioned a thorough restoration. It is believed that the new owner, Mr. Lee, purchased the car for around five or six million dollars. A steep price, but one that proved to be worthwhile. The restoration was done in time for the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Mr. Lee has been a faithful supporter and entrant of the Pebble Beach Concours for many years. He has shown vehicles at the event for many decades, though he had never won top honors. His fortunes changed when he rolled the car onto the concours lawn and it was instantly clear that this would be a top contender for the coveted, Best of Show. The judges agreed and bestowed upon the car the highest honors in the country, and possibly the world. It was named 'Best of Show' at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007