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1359 Circa 1910 Daimler 15hp Tourer
Reg No. DH 1639
Chassis No. 7079
Engine No.6859
Founded in 1869 as part of H J Lawson’s empire, the English Daimler Co. built their first cars based on Panhard Levassor type chassis
fitted with the German Canstatt Daimler engines. By 1909 all of Daimler’s production had the Knight double sleeve valve engine when
the marque was now not only distinctive for the fluted radiator at the front but also for the wisps of blue smoke at the rear. The
marque had found early favour with royalty and, with formal coachwork, was a firm favourite of the dowager community. This model,
the 15hp, went into production in 1910 and this example would appear to date from early in that year. Car number 7079 would seem
to pre-date other known surviving 15hp cars and as such is a significant vehicle.
Originally registered in the Borough of Walsall, little is known of the early history, Cheffins sold DH 1639 in December 2001 and the
vendor at that time had owned the car since October 1966. It was understood that there had only been two previous owners prior to
that time, early enthusiasm in 1966 had the car running but after that it was laid up in dry storage. In 2001 the car was purchased at
the Cheffins auction by Bevan Braithwaite OBE then CEO of TWI Ltd, a world renowned joining technology research establishment,
the car was restored by some of the highly skilled technicians at TWI and received its first MOT certificate around 2005. Taking a
starring role in the opening of the new Fordham, Cambridgeshire bypass in July 2005, the Daimler has taken a journey to Newmarket
every year since for its annual MOT test and has been a much admired part of TWI’s display of technology at its prestigious
headquarters at Abington, Cambridgeshire within the Bevan Braithwaite Building. Now presented for sale, due to a re-structuring of
the technology display at Abington, and in fine restored condition complete with CAV electric lighting system, it is expected that car
No.7079 will be driven at the sale. Supplied with a current V5C document, complete run of MOT certificates from 2006 including the
current certificate, valid until April 2012, and a copy of the 1912 Daimler handbook. An imposing Edwardian, probably the earliest
surviving sleeve valve 15hp and a worthy addition to any collection.
Estimate £25,000 - £30,000
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All lots are sold strictly as seen without warranty, purchasers are urged to satisfy themselves
prior to the sale as to the condition of each lot and whether the lot accords with its description.