Highlights
- Comprehensively restored in 2012/13
- Just 2,595 indicated miles
- Dry-stored since restoration
- Classic two-tone paint finish
- Original chestnut leather interior
- Winner at multiple shows, including Tatton Park
- Winner of “Best Pre-War Car” at the Daimler International Rally
- Believed to be 1 of only 10 built in this specification
The Appeal
Some vehicles just look right, and the Daimler Fifteen has always been a great looking car. Well proportioned with classical styling and the kind of build quality you expect from the marque. And this is one of the finest examples you’ll see. In full ‘Sportsman’ trim, finished in maroon-over-black with complementing chestnut interior, it’s the kind of vehicle that stops traffic.
Having undergone a painstaking restoration in 2012-2013, every inch of this vintage classic looks wonderful. Extreme care has been taken to restore and renew where needed, but also to retain and refinish wherever possible. As such, most of the car is completely original and benefits from a lovely patina that just hints at the car’s story. It’s clearly been not only cared for but cherished, and is a real credit to the owner.
Previous to the current owner, the car was part of the famous Colin Lambert collection and won at a number of car shows, including Tatton Park, Prestatyn, Betws-y-coed and the Oswestry Agricultural Show. It also won the “best restoration” prize at Chester Vintage Car Club and has been featured at many car shows in the Shropshire and mid-Wales areas.
Probably the most telling accolade the car has received is winning “Best Pre-War Car” at the Daimler International Rally in Shrewsbury. It’s a show that only features the best of the best, so gives some idea as to the quality of the vehicle.
All in all this is a very desirable vehicle and, frankly, if we look this good when we’re 87 years old, we’ll be very happy indeed. Surprised, but very happy.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5
- Purchased in 2012 as a project from Inverness
- Comprehensively restored with photo record
- Matching numbers car
- Returned to the road for the first time in 40 years in May 2013
- 4 owners from new
- Just 2,595 indicated miles
- Original Daimler parts catalogue
- Signed Limited Edition ‘Daimler Days Volume 3’ book - number 162/300
The Interior
- Original chestnut brown leather
- Original wood trim
- New cream headlining
- Sliding roof
- New oatmeal carpets
Not many cars genuinely feel regal, but that’s the feeling you get when you’re sat in this Daimler Fifteen. From the upright and commanding driving position, to the beautiful wood and stainless steel trimmed dashboard with its elegant clocks and huge steering wheel, it’s a magnificent cabin.
The original leather trim has been retained on the door-cards and seats and is in very good condition. Obviously, as the car is nearly 90 years old, there is some age related wear, but all this does is add to the character and charm of the vehicle. No one wants a vintage car that appears to be brand new. It’s a surprisingly roomy and airy cabin, aided in no small part by the newly installed cream headlining and oatmeal carpeting. It also features a sliding sunroof, offering all the thrills of open-top motoring with real practicality.
Overall, the cabin has been beautifully finished and sympathetically restored to a very high standard.
The Exterior
- Classic maroon-over-black finish
- Vinyl sliding roof
- Driver’s side fender-mounted spare wheel
- Working semaphore signals (trafficators)
- Rubber faced running boards
- Plate-style wheels with chrome centres
Even the most cursory glance over the exterior of this car tells you that this vehicle has been lovingly restored and very well cared for. It’s a classically styled car, with sweeping curves at each corner twinned with running boards, a traditional upright grille and gorgeously styled brightwork. The owner tells us that just 120 “Sportsman” models were built, with only 10 in this specification that features the side-mounted spare wheel.
The paintwork is nicely finished and in great condition, with hardly any marks or blemishes - testament to the fact it has been dry-stored since the restoration and only taken out in good weather. The vinyl covered roof and sliding section is likewise in excellent condition.
Underneath the car the floorpans, chassis elements and drivetrain we could see are in excellent condition, looking very solid with no signs of corrosion or damage. Everything under the car has been refinished and treated to ensure longevity and reliability.
The Mechanics
- 1,939cc straight-6
- Column shift manual 4-speed
- Cast iron block with aluminium alloy pistons
- Semi-eliptic springs front and back
- Hydraulic shock absorber
- Hydraulic Lockheed brakes with vacuum servo
As a post 1934 car, this Sportsman comes with the 2-litre straight-6 engine, twinned to the 4-speed manual transmission with pre-selective function. The engine sounded fantastic and pulled the car along well. We’re assured by the owner that it drives very well and operates exactly as it should. The only thing to be aware of is that, as with all cars of this age, the turning circle is quite wide and the steering is unassisted.
From what we could see, the car appears to be mechanically excellent. Certainly the engine and bay is exceptionally neat and clean, bordering on concours condition. We would have no concerns whatsoever about the quality of this vehicle’s drivetrain.
From what we could see, the car appears to be mechanically excellent. Certainly the engine and bay is exceptionally neat and clean, bordering on concours condition. We would have no concerns whatsoever about the quality of this vehicle’s drivetrain.
Summary
The caché the Daimler brand holds amongst classic car fans is substantial, and there’s good reason for it – they’ve built some of the prettiest and most revered cars to be built on these shores. The Fifteen is certainly one of their best, beautifully styled and detailed in a classical style and mated to a truly characterful drivetrain.
This particular model has been meticulously and comprehensively restored too, with enormous care clearly having been taken over every aspect of the vehicle’s aesthetics and mechanics. It’s been very sympathetically completed, with as many period and original components and elements being retained as possible, and everything else being restored and refinished to the highest standards.
We really do adore this car. At nearly 90 years old, it’s a remarkable survivor and deserves to find a new home where it will continue to be cherished.
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