Highlights

One of only 30 Hooper-bodied Empress examples built on the Daimler 3-litre chassis
Aluminium coachwork by Hoopers, a sister car to this model was the late Queen's personal vehicle
Only two former registered keepers
Accompanied by a folder of history

The Appeal

The Daimler Empress 3 Litre DF302 represents a rare intersection of bespoke British coachbuilding and refined Daimler engineering. With only 30 examples built by Hoopers in this Empress configuration on the 3-litre chassis, one of which served as the late Queen's personal car as a young royal, these are genuinely scarce motor cars with a notable heritage.

This particular example has had just three owners from new, the first being Kleeneze Ltd. The current seller acquired the car in 2020 and has since attended to a number of mechanical items, while prior to their ownership the car received a new exhaust system, a full interior re-trim, and a partial respray. The aluminium body is reported to be sound atop a solid chassis, and the inline-six engine is believed to be unmodified and unrebuilt. The pre-selector gearbox with overdrive top gear and fluid flywheel makes for relaxed cruising. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of these Hooper-bodied Daimlers, offered for sale as the current owner looks to reduce their classic car collection.

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Key Information

Mileage: 16,582 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: exempt
Technical specs: 2,952cc inline-six, four-speed pre-selector semi-automatic
Paperwork: a folder of history accompanies the car

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The Detail

Cylinder head overhauled with new gaskets during current ownership
Radiator re-cored during current ownership
Brake master cylinder reconditioned approximately one year ago
Complete new exhaust system fitted prior to current ownership, believed to be stainless steel
Full interior re-trim and partial respray carried out prior to current ownership
Two-tone paintwork in blue and black; the blue is described as in good condition with very little deterioration
Black paintwork is thought to be original, with scratches and areas of flaking; some repaired, others remain visible
Bumpers show some over-rider dents; one front over-rider is off the car but included in the sale
Boot lid requires a prop to stay open
Rev counter does not work and the fuel gauge is reported as unreliable
Modern indicators fitted by a previous owner but do not currently work; original trafficators function correctly
Electric front windows are fitted but do not work; one side has been dismantled and all parts are retained
Passenger-side door card is a substitute and not in the correct colour leathercloth; all electric window parts for this side are retained
Rear windows and front quarter lights all work correctly
Interior woodwork is solid but could benefit from re-polishing in places
Engine believed to be original and unrebuilt, with the addition of an electric fuel pump
Twin SU carburettors fitted; the vendor believes they may benefit from tuning and possible overhaul
Engine can be reluctant to restart immediately when hot but always starts after cranking
Twin rear fuel tanks fitted; one may have debris partially blocking the outlet despite cleaning approximately one year ago
Hydro-mechanical brakes stop the car safely but would benefit from further adjustment and inspection; slight squeak noted
Pre-selector gearbox with overdrive top gear enables cruising at 60+ mph
Fluid flywheel allows smooth low-speed driving and pull-away
Steering is described as manageable though not as tight or light as modern designs
Stored under cover and used regularly for local journeys
The vendor describes the car as great fun to drive and reports it attracts much admiration

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BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

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