Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
19th June, 2024 13:00
1955 Daimler Conquest Century
No Reserve
Registration No: WAU 91
Chassis No: D95166
MOT: Exempt
• Only 41, 000 recorded and credible miles on the odometer
• Recent bodywork and paintwork restoration
• Offered with the buff logbook and a collection of previous MOT certificates
• Pleasingly retaining its original and transferable registration number ‘WAU 91’
A replacement for the now outmoded Consort, the Conquest first saw the light of day in the Spring of 1953. The newcomer's chassis and running gear were direct developments of those underpinning the Lanchester 14 and included a cruciform chassis suspended by double wishbones and laminated torsion bars at the front, and conventional leaf springs at the rear. Braking was by Girling hydro/ mechanical drums and steering by cam and peg. Power came from a straight-six engine of 2433cc that produced some 75bhp. From 1954, a more potent version of the car known as the Conquest Century became available. Courtesy of a big-valve alloy cylinder head, twin SU carburetters, higher compression, and high-lift camshaft, Daimler managed to hike the output to 100bhp - sufficient to accelerate the 3, 117 lb car to 60mph in 16. 3 seconds and on to a terminal speed of 90mph. This proved to be the most popular of the two Saloon variants, with 4, 818 examples eventually made as opposed to 4, 568 of the lesser powered car.
Manufactured in 1955, the Conquest Century offered was first registered on the 7th of December that year. Finished in two-tone Black and Silver Green paintwork, complemented by a Cream leather interior upholstery, it is pleasingly believed to retain the majority of its original interior. Supplied new to Meridian Ltd. of Haydn Road, Nottingham, a famous company in the East Midlands knitting industry, and a business by which time was known for its commitment to good working conditions, with the site including a heated indoor swimming pool, bowling greens, tennis courts, and a hockey pitch, all for the use of the employees, so it is interesting envisaging the Daimler’s role within the company. After six years of ownership, the Daimler was passed to Ernest Bignall Esq., also of Nottingham before passing to two further owners, both out of the Nottingham area, into the 1970s.
Purchased by the vendor earlier this year, ‘WAU 91’ was running and driving but required exterior cosmetic improvement. Thereafter the Daimler was provided with a bodywork restoration and a full repaint. Offered now showing just 41, 000 recorded and believed genuine miles on the odometer, the vendor notes that the Daimler has trafficators that are in functioning order (as well as modern indicators added), good tyres, and recent new exhaust. The spare wheel, and original tool roll, grease gun, and jack are all present, and the brakes have been recently overhauled. Pleasingly retaining its original and transferable registration number ‘WAU 91’, the Conquest Century is offered for sale temptingly without reserve.
