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

 
 1939  DAIMLER   4-Litre  Straight  Eight
 
"Light" Pillarless Sport Saloon by VANDEN PLAS




I am resizing my classic car collection. In the next few weeks/months I am going to list some cars. I start here with this splendid piece of the British 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 Vehicle Information Sheet states that the car was supplied at that time as a chassis and delivered to Vanden Plas coachwork.

'FYM 555' has had only three owners in the last 45 years. including a well-known collector of the marque. Bare metal re-sprayed three 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. A pleasant sunroof works perfectly.

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. and in 2009 all new core plugs fitted. 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 and arguably superior to the Bentleys of its era while being even more exclusive. Only a dozen of these beautiful pillarless saloons were built. about 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.

You can see many pictures of the car at the link:  www. straighteight. shutterfly. com  (click on "Pictures&Videos". then on "view album").

Included in the sale:
- original owners manual. br>- exceedingly rare 8-page beautiful original sale brochure. with the different bodies built on the Light Straight Eight chassis by the best coach builders. including the body of the car I am selling here. br>- rare copy of "Vanden Plas" book. featuring the car I am selling here. br>- a copy of Brian E. Smith "The Daimler Tradition" book. br>- Jaguar/Daimler Vehicle Information Sheet.
- sundry restoration invoices.
- an extensive history file. br>- Swansea V5 registration document and an old style continuation logbook dating from the 1950s/1960s.

The car is viewable in Monte-Carlo. Principality of Monaco. on appointment.

Don't hesitate to contact me for further information on this fine motorcar and to arrange a viewing.

I can send many high resolution pictures to interested parties. on request.

Buyer is responsible for shipping. but I can arrange shipping if needed. including overseas. I can store the car in a safe and dry garage for 4 weeks after the end of the sale. free of charge.

Non-refundable £1. 00. 00 deposit due within 24 hours of close of auction.

The balance is due within 7 days of close of auction. If you have a feedback of less than 10. please contact me before bidding. or your bid will be cancelled.

Thank you for your attention and Happy Bidding.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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