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PRIVATE Sale

1950 Daimler Special Sports

This vehicle is now available as a private sale - you can make an offer by the Buy It Now button below.

Buy It Now

£22,000

  • Mileage~88,000
  • TransmissionPreselect
  • Engine2.5L
  • LocationRye

FOR SALE

1950 Daimler Special Sports

Now available for sale

Introduction

Jon Dixon
Professional Consigner

A former concours winner in 1999 at the Daimler & Lancaster owners’ club, winning 6 awards - the car is truly special.

Based upon the DB18 chassis, the Daimler is an incredibly solid and reliable car that rightly deserves the 'GT' classification due to its exuberant nature. Around 500 of these were built by Barker & Co. in Coventry, making them extremely rare and one of the pioneering post-war touring cars of the new age.

There is a lot to love about the car - from elegant coachwork to luxurious interior and a gentle ride - the Special Sports really is special.

Benefiting from a complete restoration from 1990 to 1993 and work as recently as 2018, the Barker Special Sports is up there with the rarest classics in its value range. This Daimler is for that occasion, any occasion where only the most classic will do.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jon after meeting Tony the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

After owning the car for 7 years, I will be sad to see it go.

Tony loves this style of car and diligently chose a fantastic example. His intention was to use the car with his wife for holidays and sunny days, but unfortunately personal circumstances have put any plans on hold.

Although Tony hasn't driven the car as much as he would have liked, he has still been a great carer to the car since its restoration, with 2 former keepers prior to Tony, there is also a list of former keepers that owned the car before 1990.

Tony
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Barker & Co. are responsible for some of the most prestigious UK classics, this example is no different, suicide doors and acres of chrome - it's got it all.

Wheels and Tyres

Steel-plated Daimler wheels look in excellent condition as can be seen in the photos.

A full set of BF Goodrich tyres are wrapped around the wheels having been installed upon the overhaul of the car prior to Tony purchasing the car in 2013. Since then, they have covered around 1,000 miles maintaining good condition.

Bodywork

As can be seen from our visit, the handcrafted and formerly restored bodywork is in excellent condition. The shut lines are as expected by looking at the video, although you may see that the passenger door was left slightly open in the photos.

Having not been used, but stored in the correct caring manner - we saw no signs of dents, significant rust or corrosion on the beautifully crafted machine.

Tony has opened the roof on request from a potential bidder to photograph it. Sadly, the roof will need replacing, as pictured at the end of the exterior gallery, as mice seem to have gotten to it and eaten the mohair.

Paint

The classic two-tone of glossy black and softer grey is the order of the day. In the photos and videos you can observe the fine craftsmanship from the restoration that looks even and shining on our sunny visit.

With the paintwork being 30 years old, there are some very minor blemishes that have come up, on the wings and bonnet.

Glass and Trim

The chrome work on the car is stunning and shining vibrantly on our visit. We saw no blemishes on them either across the car.

All glass and seals look to be in excellent condition and you are also treated with those classics badges along the front.

Interior

With a cabin this luxurious, it's to 'drive for'.

Seats and Carpets

The red high grade leather seats and carpets were fitted in 1993, completing the prestige restoration. A third seat is also placed behind the driver's.

All stitched, fitted and placed tightly, the materials look vibrant and clean. The leather is also UV-ray treated whilst the carpets are thick Wilton.

Dashboard

Ascending from the woolen carpets, a beautifully sculpted wooden dash takes centre stage making for all the more wonderful environment.

Still shining with a varnish that embodies cream gauges, the colours keep on giving inside and out with this example.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The wide 3-spoke steering wheel looks aged but as classic as ever.

A preselector gear lever is situated behind the steering wheel.

Mechanics

The gentle ride is all the making of this pioneering touring car.

Engine and Gearbox

The 2.5L, long stroke, straight six engine was developed during the 1930s and then tried and tested in the highly successful ‘Dingo’ Scout Car during World War II. A common problem that arose from these examples is the cylinder head gasket, something rectified during restoration.

The Wilson preselector gearbox was the dawn of the automatic era. Paired with the engine, any mature driver will enjoy operating the two on a pleasurable, steady journey. All gears have synchromesh.

Suspension and Brakes

In January 2018, the master cylinder system was replaced under Tony's ownership.

The long wheelbase and excellent suspension, independent at the front, iron out the bumps and give the car a lovely ride.

The Drive

The car has not driven the miles it is capable of in recent times.

We recommend a passionate new owner commissions a service that will make the car fit and ready for touring, because this car can tour all day if wanted. A healthy 25+ mpg is achievable when driven calmly. There are also handwritten notes detailing the procedures of starting the car and selecting gears.

Electrics and Other

Although the car has not been driven much under Tony's ownership, he assures us all electrics on the car work.

History and Paperwork

A complete folder of the car's history details everything of its restoration.

With only around 500 made, this car is truly sought after. Coming with the original owner's handbook and documents of its restoration, the car also comes with notes of former keepers and how they maintained the car. We are awaiting more photos from Tony to see more of this Daimler's colourful life.

The speedometer was changed during the restoration after being imported from New Zealand at about 80,000. The current indicated mileage is 8,092 miles.

The prized part of the history is in 1999 when the Daimler won 6 awards at the Owners' Club event with photos and certificates of such achievements.

We have actioned the following checks:
- Photo ID of seller.
- V5 checked against seller's photo ID.
- HPi Clear.

Key Details
  • ModelDB18
  • TransmissionPreselect
  • Reg. Date07.09.2001
  • CC2,522
  • Mileage~88,000
  • HistorySee Media
  • ColourBlack / Grey
  • Interior ColourRed
  • Chassis #53877
  • Engine #40135
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned7 1/2 Years
  • Key FeatureRarity




Ask Questions

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

8
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Nick Hamson
Guest
Nick Hamson

Can we see the car please

Antony Davis
Guest
Antony Davis

The Daimler has a new hood fitted, costing £4950. I would not accept anything lower than £2750. Two have recently sold for over 40K.
didn’t know that was still on Trade Classic’s site!

Antony Davis
Guest
Antony Davis

The Daimler has a new hood fitted, costing £4950. I would not accept anything lower than £2750. Two have recently sold for over 40K.
didn’t know that it was still on Trade Classic’s site!

Chris
Guest
Chris

There doesn’t seem to be a picture of the hood. Is the hood in good condition and can you show a photo with the hood erect?
When was it last used on the road?
When did it last have a mot? Thank you.

Tony
Guest
Tony

Today was the first day I have had a chance to photograph the car with the hood up and answer your queries. Unfortunately I found that under the exterior cover, mice had been at work – the mohair was in shreds. I am sending photos to Trade Classics and have been in touch with them regarding a price revision. The Daimler has only done less than 1000 miles under my ownership The last service was in 2015 with new brake servos fitted in 2018. The car has had regular short runs to keep it used. The tyres do not need… Read more »

Stewart
Guest
Stewart

Find it difficult to believe this fabulous car is less than a mile away from me and I’ve never seen it!

Antony Davis
Guest
Antony Davis

The car lives in Winchelsea
Tony

Adam - Trade Classics
Admin

You could buy it and keep it in the area – that would be a nice thing to do 🙂 🙂




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*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

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Vehicle Location

Rye

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