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1952 Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupe

  • Coachwork by Hooper
  • Chassis Number: 53903
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.

2023 Broad Arrow Group : Amelia Island

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $125,000-USD $175,000 
Sale Price :
USD $212,800

1952 Daimler DB18 Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Daimler DB18

(Data based on Model Year 1952 sales)
1952 Daimler DB18 Hooper & Co. Drophead Coupe
Chassis#: 53903
Sold for USD$212,800
  2023 Broad Arrow Group : Amelia Island
1952 Daimler DB18 image  1952 Daimler DB18 image  
1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupe
Chassis#: 59083
Sold for USD$28,688
  2020 H & H - Imperial War Museum Duxford
 
1952 DAIMLER BARKER SPECIAL SPORT
Chassis#: 159087
Sold for USD$20,250
  2019 Coys - Thoroughbred & Vintage at Fontwell House
 
1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupé Project
Chassis#: D59162
Sold for USD$12,046
  2017 Bonhams : The Beaulieu Sale
 
1952 Daimler DB18
Sold for USD$18,750
  2014 Leake Auction : Tulsa
 
1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupe
Chassis#: 59166
Sold for USD$10,689
  2013 H & H Auctions - Imperial War Museum
 
1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupe
Chassis#: D59199
Sold for USD$21,479
  2012 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
 
1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupe
Chassis#: D59199
Sold for USD$33,680
  2011 H & H - Pavilion Gardens April 13, 2011
 

Daimler DB18s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1952 Daimler DB18's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead Coupe591592019 H & H Classics Imperial War Museum, Duxford $24,000$28,000
1952 Daimler DB 18 Empress567382014 Silverstone : The Restoration Show Sale   
1952 Daimler DB 18 Sports Special Drophead Coupe30636401312005 Bonhams Les Grandes Marques a Monaco $30,000$40,000
1952 Daimler Special Sports Convertible 2005 The Florida Collector Car Auction$23,500  
1952 Daimler DB18 Special Sports Drophead CoupeD590712003 Bonhams Important Collectors' Motor Cars $20,000$25,000

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1952 Daimler DB18

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1952 Daimler DB18 Vehicle Profiles

1952 Daimler DB18 vehicle information
Drophead Coupe
Coachwork: Hooper
Chassis #: 53903