1950 Daimler DE27 Spey Touring Limousine Walnut, Leather, Sliding Glass Divider

Description

THE DAIMLER DE27
Daimler (UK) began as one of the world's first auto makers and featured an engine licensed from Gottlieb Daimler. Daimlers were the chosen cars of British Royalty  starting in 1900 (see photo) and into the 50's. After 1950, owing largely to a persistent transmission problem on the King's car, when replacement cars were ordered the Royals ordered Rolls Royce, and thus came the end of Daimler's 50 year run as Britain's top marque.
During the war years, production was switched to supplying the war effort. The engine in this model was developed to power the Daimler "Dingo" scout car. Daimler also produced the Ferret armored scout car up to 1978. Daimler was acquired by Jaguar in 1960 whereupon it become an "upgrade" to the Jaguar line. Many "Royal" cars still exist today including a DE27 with license plate HRH1 (pictured).
Hooper Coachworks built horse drawn coaches for royalty and continued the practice into the age of automobiles. Hooper began in 1805, earned a royal warrant in 1830, and was acquired by Daimler in 1940.The "Razor" styling of the Spey Limousine was also used on Rolls Royce chassis. Hooper production records suggest this was one of only about 5 Spey Limousines built on Daimler DE27 chassis.
DE27 PRODUCTION AND SURVIVORS
- 205 chassis provisioned
- 110 built bodies identified
- 61 extant in 14 countries
- 21 know roadworthy examples
- 7 known in the US
DE27 WITH HOOPER COACHWORK
- 33 Hooper coaches built on DE27 chassis
- Production lists suggest very few (5?) built on DE27 and DE36 chassis
- Hooper production list suggests as few as 2 Spey Touring Limo bodies built on DE27 chassis
RESTORING THIS CAR
This car is complete.  In addition, a non-recoverable DE27 was found and acquired for spares.  This included the entire front clip, engine, transmission, differential, and miscellaneous hardware with the body and interior going to AU to aid in the rebuild of a Royal DE36..
All of this is included in the sale and will require additional space for transport.
With its four litre 6 and fluid drive transmission, the word for this car is SMOOTH.  It even has a "parade" throttle that allows the car to creep along at walking speed--practice your royalty wave!  Known as a driver/limousine, these cars are built to allow you the pleasure of piloting yourself, or get a chauffeur and close the glass partition for a ride enjoyed by royals.
The car is as pictured in the restoration shop:  interior is removed, front body work is removed, needs some repair to the ash framing under the rear window, boot lid, and running boards.  Will require re-paint post assembly.  Master cylinder needs rebuild or replacement, head needs to be assessed for valve guides etc.
COMPLETED
- Engine rebuild (shortblock)
- New pistons, rings, rods
- Bored block
- New timing chain
- Short block built
- Cylinder head surface ground
- New valves
- Brakes
- Shoes remanufactured
- Wheel cylinders rebuilt
- Drums turned
- Gas tank sealed and painted
- New wiring harness installed
- Gauges remanufactured
- SU carbs rebuilt
- Front suspension and steering rebuilt (using best parts from 2 cars)
VIEWING
This car can be viewed by appointment in person or virtually.  Please contact the seller for arrangements or questions.
Photos include:
Catalog shots
Other DE27s
This car as acquired
This car at restoration shop (where it will be picked up in Isanti MN, 55040 for shipping research)
Some of the documentation included (many more than can be pictured here)
Documentation Includes:
Owners handbook
Technical guides with drawings
Many collectable and hard-to-find books on the marque
The car is easily trailered as it is free rolling. Health issues have brought my plans and wishes for this car to an end.  Don't forget that you'll need room for the body work and spares. It is offered at
far
less than I have in the project to-date.