Description
The smallest Daimler, the Fifteen had its roots in the 30's to appeal to middle class buyers yet upholding Daimlers tradition for quality engineering and dependability. Early models were fitted with full hydraulic brakes, before cost reducing reintroduced rod brakes in 35. This car has full hydracylic system.
This particular car has been in wedding service for onwards of 25 years and has delivered great dependability throughout this time. It has always been maintained to give reliability, and starts easy, drives well and provides much joy to brides who travel in her.
In 2019 the rear axle was rebuilt with new hub seals, wheel bearings, differential bearings, brake cylinders, new rear springs and all new shacke pins and new rear tyres and inner tubes. In 2020 the steering was overhauled with new kingpin RH, new wheel bearings, LH & RH, brake cylinders, brake linings, steering joints and a complicated repair of the steering box. Since the Covid Pandemic hit our business hard, she has put only token miles on the clock with last duty in mid May.
Previous years has seen considerable other work, with brake master cylinder rebuilt, new propshaft made, fluid coupling seals modified, engine removed and rebuilt with new rings and block machined to remedy persistent head gasket problems. LED lighting fitted, along with flasher system and flashing trafficator conversion.
Pre select gearbox in full working order and with Clayton servo assisted brakes it stops extremely well. The early Fifteen (1805cc) are a little underpowered so top speed is not great at 45 mph but the working speedo is fairly accurate.
The interior leather is all original from 1934 and still in remarkably good supple condition.
This is not a concourse example, it has been a working car, needs a little tidying in places, small spots of rust bubbles in places but still presentable. The one flaw that needs attention is oil leaking from the composite head gasket we were forced to fit at the time, due to non availability of copper ones. A new, custom laser cut copper gasket will be included for a new owner to eliminate this problem.
An all round, greatly admired popular car that turns heads wherever you go. Previous ownership has been traced in part, through its past four operators, originating in Lancashire. However it was originally a Derby car, licenced as SS2660 but this registration could not be restored owing to documentation lost in a fire in Derby records archives, hence it was re plated as 7KBY and is known affectionately amongst clients and owners as "Kirby". We even know who made the box on the rear luggage platform. Lots of invoices, paperwork and images will transfer with the car.
