1939 Daimler Light Straight-Eight 4L - Pillarless Sport Saloon by Vanden Plas

1939   Daimler light Straight Eight  4-litre
Pillarless  Sport  Saloon  by  Vanden Plas


I am resizing my classic car collection. In the next few months/weeks I am going to list some cars. I start here with this splendid piece of theBritish Motoring History. a top-end exclusive model with a top-end coach built masterpiece.
1939 DAIMLER LIGHT STRAIGHT-EIGHT SPORT SALOON with PILLARLESS COACHWORK by VANDEN PLAS.
Aimed squarely at the rival Derby Bentley "silent sports car" and endowed with similar performance. for the tasteful owner-driver. the magnificent Light Straight Eight was a new introduction for 1936 in this exciting niche and carried its 3. 4-litre engine in a 123"-wheelbase chassis. The Light Straight Eight attracted some of the finest coachwork of the day as did its replacement. the broadly similar 4-Litre model of 1939. approximately 180 of which had been made when the outbreak of war halted civilian production.  
The engines were built mainly of aluminium and have a non detachable cylinder head. allied to the fluid flywheel and pre-selector gearbox. they are truly smooth and quick. one being timed at Brooklands at 95mph. The chassis itself is a work of art. it is light in weight yet very strong. fitted with 17 inch wheels. servo assisted brakes and Daimler's high quality suspension. the car was a masterpiece!
Believed one of only five surviving. this very rare Vanden Plas coach-built all aluminum special bodied Daimler 4-Litre was first registered in July 1939. it seems with London County Council for use by The Lord Mayor of London. The accompanying Jaguar Daimler VehicleInformation Sheet states that the car was supplied at that time as a chassis and delivered in October 1939.
'FYM 555' has had only three owners in the last 45 years. before myself. including a well-known collector of the marque. Bare metal re-sprayed four years ago. the body is all aluminium with steel front wings and has perfect shut lines and perfect wood framing. having been stored in ideal conditions. while the chrome is excellent. The nicely patinated interior's headlining. leather and woodwork are totally original. only the carpets having been replaced. The interior is fitted with spectacular walnut to the dash. door cappings & screen pillars.  All the dials and instruments work as they should and that nothing needs immediate attention. Indeed. the car is as clean underneath as it is on top. This vehicle has a lovely feel and the doors close with a precise clunk.
The all-aluminium engine was completely rebuilt in 2000. including new pistons. etc. The radiator. starting motor and dynamo have been rebuilt also. An electric water pump is fitted discreetly below the radiator and there is a Facet fuel pump to prevent fuel starvation should the engine get hot in heavy traffic. The suspension has been overhauled. likewise the brakes (in the early 2000s). the steering joints replaced. the polished stainless steel wheels completely rebuilt and the tyres fitted with new tubes. A stainless steel exhaust has been fitted also. The Wilson pre-selector gearbox functions smoothly. enabling the car to pull away in any gear.  
This fine 4-Litre has attended several marque rallies over the past 20 years and in 2003 won a major award at The Daimler Owners Club National Rally. It has also been the subject of a feature in the journal 'Driving Member' describing the engine rebuild. and is listed in 'Daimler Days Vol. 2'.  
This car is ready for long continental tours! With its eight-cylinder engine. superb chassis and stylish Vanden Plas pillar-less coachwork. this Daimler 4-Litre is a fine performer andarguably superior to the Bentleys of its era while being even more exclusive. Only a dozen of these beautiful pillarless saloons were built. bout half are known to exist. testimony to their quality and desirability!
An opportunity to acquire one of truly great British pre-war sports saloon cars. The auction starts at £0. 99. with a very reasonable reserve price set to sell.
Included in the sale:- original owners manual. exceedingly rare 8-page beautiful original sale brochure. with thedifferent bodies built on the Light Straight Eight chassis by the bestcoach builders. including the body of the car I am selling here. rare copy of "Vanden Plas" book. featuring the car I am selling here. a copy of "Daimler Days" book. Jaguar/Daimler Vehicle Information Sheet. nbsp;- sundry restoration invoices. nbsp;- an extensive history file. Swansea V5 registration document and an old style continuation logbookdating from the 1950s/1960s.
The car is viewable in Monte-Carlo. Principality of Monaco. on appointment.
For further information on this fine motorcar and to arrange a viewing please contact me.
A gallery of large high resolution pictures may be viewed at  www. straighteight. shutterfly. com  by clicking the "Pictures&Videos" button.

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