Descrizione
This very early Daimler Fifteen was sold through Stratstone in London in chassis form to Australia where it was it bodied by Melbourne coachbuilders, Martin & King, with this very attractive Fixed Head Coupe coachwork. It was called the ‘Sportsman’s Coupe’ and differs from the similar Mulliner Coupe with its slightly longer doors, giving easier access.
Chassis 33784 can be dated to January 1933 which, according to the data sheet in the file, makes it the 78th Fifteen produced. Being an early car it features the 1805cc engine and this six cylinder ohv unit was progressively developed by Daimler with its final iteration being fitted to the 100bhp Conquest Century.
Transmission is a four speed pre-selector gearbox mated to Daimler’s famous fluid flywheel while braking is taken care of by hydraulics on all four wheels.
The Daimler was laid up in 1963 and was purchased in a dismantled state for restoration from a deceased estate in 2001. The restorer, well known Australian enthusiast Bernie Jacobson, discovered to his delight that it was the very car which he had courted his wife in 40 years previously. The story of the restoration was written up in The Automobile magazine in October 2002.
During the rebuild remnants of the original paint were found and so the Daimler was refinished in the same colour scheme of Champagne and Claret with a black faux cabriolet roof.
All the mechanical elements received a thorough overhaul with the cylinder head receiving hardened valve seats and new valves. In the search for more performance twin inch and a half SU carburettors were fitted along with a moderate increase in compression ratio.
In 2003 the Daimler came to the UK to be a part of a private collection which later moved to the Isle of Man, where it remained until now.
The Daimler still presents well although there are inevitably age related marks here and there. The interior has a lovely mellow feel, retaining most of the original leather. Some minor repairs are needed to the front seats while the carpets are in excellent order.
The pre-selector gearbox works without fault and the fluid flywheel takes up the drive smoothly, making it an easy car to drive.
All the instruments are working with good oil pressure and dynamo charge indicated. Direction indicators have been fitted.
More recently the Daimler has benefited from expenditure on the rear axle, brakes, fuel system, starter motor and the fluid flywheel. The invoices are in the file along with an Instruction Book; Parts List; a photocopied Maintenance Manual and some useful data supplied by the Owners Club.
Since we photographed the car it has been reunited with its UK registration mark WAS 504.
As an early example of Daimler’s important Fifteen and with its Australian history, the car is of considerable historical interest and is also an attractive embodiment of the 1930s fashion for the small ‘six’.
We would consider taking another classic vehicle in part exchange.
For more information and to arrange a viewing call James or contact us via the website.
Thank you for reading.
