Introduced in 1953, the Daimler Conquest was essentially an evolution of the Lanchester Fourteen, with a new six-cylinder powertrain.
In 1954, the 75bhp Conquest was joined by the Conquest Century, so named because it had 100bhp and could – allegedly – reach 100mph.
It was both a fast and luxurious car for its day, and this example is a lovely one ready to be enjoyed by its next owner. It also has huge potential for wedding hire.
Restored several years ago, it has been dry-stored and presents very well indeed. It’s also the desirable drop-head coupé model, with a coupe-de-ville-style landaulette roof, the rear section of which came with an electric mechanism allowing it to be lowered from the driver’s seat.
Inside, this is a charming old car. The carpets have been recovered but the rest of the interior is 100% original, with the red leather seats showing creases and signs of wear, along with a small split in the driver’s side seat base, which are evocative rather than negative. They show off the car’s originality with a gentle, careworn patina.
The wooden dash and ivory dials are in good order, as are the door trims, while there’s a period radio fitted that would have been a hugely expensive option back in the day.
Red power-operated de ville roof (needs attention)
Solid chassis
Good chrome and brightwork
This is a truly lovely looking car from any angle – rounded, elegant and full of swooping curves, it defines what Daimler was in the 1950s. That is, a premium car brand that was a little bit different and certainly unique, before the company was bought by Jaguar and the badge absorbed onto posh Jags.
The curvaceous body is in lovely order – an older restoration that has been lovingly preserved and carefully stored. It appears to be very solid underneath, too. All of the chrome and brightwork is smart and in good order and the paint is mostly excellent with just a few minor marks, the most noticeable being on the nearside front bonnet shut area.
The red canvas landaulette roof is in generally good condition with some minor wear to the front right-hand corner. However, the mechanism will require some tinkering. The roof is currently stuck in the “up” position and while there’s power to the switch and the roof motors make a noise, there’s clearly an issue that needs addressing somewhere within the linkage.
The 2,433cc six is a sweet-sounding engine that runs really well once warmed through, with minimal smoke and no untoward noises.
It comes with a four-speed ‘pre-select’ transmission with fluid flywheel – simply select the next gear via the lever alongside the steering wheel and dip and lift the clutch pedal when you’re ready for the next gear. It sounds complicated, but is simplicity itself to use when you’re used to it.
The vendor describes the Daimler as in good mechanical health with no known problems.
This is a charming and elegant example of a rare 1950s classic, and is one of the nicest and most usable pre-Jaguar Daimlers. It’s presented in very good overall condition and would make a marvellous wedding car as well as a characterful example of a luxurious 1950s classic.
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1955 Daimler Conquest Century
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