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1926 Daimler 45 HP Salon Cabriolet

  • Coachwork by Barker
  • Chassis Number: 23729
  • Engine Number: 45341
This is one of the most famous Daimlers built; it is known as the 'Star of India' and was built for Major-General His Highness Samrajya Maharajadhiraja Bandresh Shri Maharaja Sir Gulab Singh Ju Deo Bahadur of Rewa. The Maharaja acquired the chassis at the cost of £1,400 and received coachwork from Barker & Company of London. The 'salon cabriolet' body was created using sheets of German silver formed over an intricate inner wooden frame. It had a single door on the passenger side, a large rear seat, fine leather upholstery, elaborate woodwork, and folding front bucket seats. The convertible top when lowered, disappeared under a tonneau. There were two separate sets of windows with one set of windows being of clear glass for use with the Maharaja aboard. The second set was of darkly smoked Triplex, so-called 'purdah' glass, for when the Maharaja's two wives were riding.

The dashboard housed a speedometer, tachometer, and gauges that measured air and oil temperature, a Radamax spark plug tester, and a gradient meter to measure the Daimler's angle on terrain. Along the running boards were rattan seats which were typically occupied by attendants and gun bearers. On the front fenders were electric 'boa constrictor' horns and two pairs of Lucas lights. In the back were lantern-like Toby taillamps.

When Gulab Singh's reign fell apart in 1942, he was exiled and deposed. The Daimler remained in the area until the early 1970s and was used by the Maharaja's successor and subsequently in religious events. At some point, it appears to have been given a restoration which may have been largely cosmetic and sympathetic.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2022

2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,000,000-USD $1,500,000 
Sale Price :
USD $880,000

Recent Sales of the Daimler 45 HP

(Data based on Model Year 1926 sales)
1926 Daimler 45 HP Salon Cabriolet 'Star of India' by Barker
Chassis#: 23729
Sold for USD$880,000
  2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey
1926 Daimler 45 HP image  1926 Daimler 45 HP image  

Daimler 45 HPs That Failed To Sell At Auction

1926 Daimler 45 HP's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
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1926 Daimler 45 HP

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1926 Daimler 45 HP Vehicle Profiles

1926 Daimler 45 HP vehicle information
Salon Cabriolet
Coachwork: Barker
Chassis #: 23729
Engine #: 45341

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.