1951 Daimler DB18 Empress 2.5-Litre, Registration no. RFR 86 Chassis no. 53900
Odometer Reading: 13,381
MoT Expiry: 02/02/2021
*An unusual offering
*Well-presented interior
*Matching numbers and much history
During the early 1950s British luxury car buyers had a good selection to choose from, and the more 'established' were as likely to choose a Daimler as anything with a Bentley or Rolls-Royce badge, Daimler's DB18 offering a more formal alternative to the R-type or Silver Dawn. MPH's Hooper-bodied 1951 DB18 Empress has unusually excellent bodywork and paint and its interior, reminiscent of a post-war industrial boardroom, offers very good seats and dashboard, and an excellent headlining. Our vendor says a previous owner carried out extensive work including fitting galvanised floor panels, restoring and re-colouring the leather seating and changing the colour scheme, but did not complete the work. Bought by the vendor's father in 2000 work continued but was completed in 2017, with a re-paint, restored woodwork, new carpet and headlining as well as a fresh wiring loom while new rear spats finished the task. Reported as running and driving well this seldom-seen luxury saloon from Daimler's Docker period is worthy of serious consideration.
Hailing from the ration-book era, this DB18 offers first-class motoring, with the reassurance of much work being carried out. It comes with interesting history and is running and driving well, although a mechanical checkover is advised before use.
Vendor Score Total: 86/100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 25/25
Body Work: 5
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 5
Glass: 5
Paint: 5
Wheels/Tyres: 5
INTERIOR TOTAL: 17/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 5
Seats: 4
Trim: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 17/20
Mechanical components: 4
Running: 4
Starting: 4
Under Bonnet: 5
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16/20
Axles: 4
Brakes: 4
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Suspension: 4
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8/10
Ancillary components: 4
Main components: 4
Car History File: 3
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Time, Location
Auction House
Odometer Reading: 13,381
MoT Expiry: 02/02/2021
*An unusual offering
*Well-presented interior
*Matching numbers and much history
During the early 1950s British luxury car buyers had a good selection to choose from, and the more 'established' were as likely to choose a Daimler as anything with a Bentley or Rolls-Royce badge, Daimler's DB18 offering a more formal alternative to the R-type or Silver Dawn. MPH's Hooper-bodied 1951 DB18 Empress has unusually excellent bodywork and paint and its interior, reminiscent of a post-war industrial boardroom, offers very good seats and dashboard, and an excellent headlining. Our vendor says a previous owner carried out extensive work including fitting galvanised floor panels, restoring and re-colouring the leather seating and changing the colour scheme, but did not complete the work. Bought by the vendor's father in 2000 work continued but was completed in 2017, with a re-paint, restored woodwork, new carpet and headlining as well as a fresh wiring loom while new rear spats finished the task. Reported as running and driving well this seldom-seen luxury saloon from Daimler's Docker period is worthy of serious consideration.
Hailing from the ration-book era, this DB18 offers first-class motoring, with the reassurance of much work being carried out. It comes with interesting history and is running and driving well, although a mechanical checkover is advised before use.
Vendor Score Total: 86/100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 25/25
Body Work: 5
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 5
Glass: 5
Paint: 5
Wheels/Tyres: 5
INTERIOR TOTAL: 17/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 5
Seats: 4
Trim: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 17/20
Mechanical components: 4
Running: 4
Starting: 4
Under Bonnet: 5
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16/20
Axles: 4
Brakes: 4
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Suspension: 4
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8/10
Ancillary components: 4
Main components: 4
Car History File: 3
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Time, Location
Auction House
