1952 Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupe

Daimler enjoyed a quick ascension to the role of official transportation of the British Royal Family due to its sound engineering, workmanship, and quality design. Working with coachbuilder Hooper & Co, they delivered the first-ever royal car. Hooper & Company was based in Westminster, London and has a history that dates to 1805. They specialized in creating top-tier, coachbuilt bodies that were built without consideration of cost. Rather than sporty, the bodies focused on stately and elegant designs.

In 1939, Daimler introduced the DB18 and due to the proximity of the onset of World War II, most examples were built after 1945. Features bestowed upon the model included a fluid flywheel pre-selector gearbox and an independent suspension, and an all-new drophead coupe was introduced at the first post-war London Motor Show in 1948. The Daimler DB18 wore bodies by several coachbuilders, but 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 particular Daimler DB18 Hooper & Co. Drophead Coupe was built in 1952. The coachwork is similar to that first example that was built for King George VI. Options bestowed upon this vehicle include a solid wood curved dashboard made from Australian camphor wood, an automated convertible top, and power windows.

It is believed that only six examples of the DB18 received these Hooper & Co. Drophead Coupe bodies.

This example was originally delivered to Esquire Wallace May of Birmingham, England in 1952, and it was eventually purchased by Mr. Ernest Stern of Pittsburgh, PA, who imported the vehicle to the USA in 1972. The most recent caretaker acquired the Daimler from Mr. Stern's estate in 1995. In 2012, a complete ground-up restoration was commissioned, and the work was completed in 2017. It currently wears a two-tone British Racing Green and Tan over a Tan leather interior.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2023

The United Kingdom patent rights to Gottlieb Daimler's engine were purchased in 1893 by Frederick Simms, who formed a new company, Daimler Motor Syndicate. Simms, along with Harry Lawson, began car production in the city of Coventry, England as the Daimler Motor Company starting in 1896. Two years later, Daimler became the official transportation of British Royalty. Perhaps most distinctive is the fluted radiator, a feature unique to the Daimler marque beginning in 1907.

The DB-18 was produced by Daimler from 1939-1953. Few were built prior to World War II as the company concentrated on military production; the majority were constructed following the conflict. A 153.8 cubic-inch, 160-horsepower inline 6-cylinder provides motivation. Six of these Hooper drophead coupes were produced, the first of which was built for King George VI, with Princess Elizabeth playing a decisive part in its purchase. This is the only car of its type in the United States, having been originally brought stateside by a Pittsburgh attorney.