Alas, Fair Daimler, You’ve Had Your Day
By Gunnar Heinrich
PEDDLING about last weekend on Fisher’s Island (a thin strip of New York that sits off Connecticut’s shoreline), yours happened upon the tragic, yet strangely beautiful sight of an old Daimler that had been left to rot in the parking lot of the island’s Mobil gas station.
The hood to the early 50s DB18 Consort had gone M.I.A.; exposing the six cylinder powerplant*** (see below for update) that would’ve – in its day – powered the fixed head coupe up to a reasonable 76 mph and have returned 22 mpg in the event.
But those days were long ago for this bulwark of Post War British motoring.
The exterior sheetmetal had corroded enough to make it appear as though the car had been brought up from the wreck of the Andrea Doria.
It had that salt washed, surfaced ship appearance about it and I wouldn’t be surprised if a colony of hermit crabs had set up shop in the boot.
Still, remenants of an elegant past remain in that signature crenelated grille; still familiar to American Vanden Plas drivers.
Nearby another Jag also sat seemingly neglected, though judging by the (relatively) recent ferry bumper stickers and current Empire State plates, the creamy white sedan’s ultimate parts-bin retirment must still be some ways off.
But the threat looms large with every gremlin that surfaces, no doubt.
The Daimler would likely make for a fascinating restoration project if only someone had the time, dollars or sterling to invest in what is to most motorists outside of Britain a most obscure marque.
Her best days may yet be ahead [!]…
But for now, she sits. Waiting.
[Linked: Daimler.co.uk | Fisher's Island]
UPDATE *** – I have it on very good authority from a reader who refurbishes antique cars that what we’re looking at is not the original straight six engine but rather an old Chevy V8. This proves two things: 1) that I’ve got some learning to do when it comes to engine ID and 2) that this Daimler was under partial restoration until somebody gave up. Should’ve known. According to the reader, “The twin finned valve covers are a dead give away.” Nuff said.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
Jo | Sep 4, 2008 | Reply
Would have liked to see the interior and dash.
Island cars have always been a class to themselves, special oddities and rarities. Some abused. Some meticulously maintained.
Years ago driving a 1929 Cadillac LaSalle on Martha’s Vineyard brought out several similar era rolling stock.
To see so many various autos in so small a locale is always a marvel and delight. A fabulous way to retire!
Zarba | Sep 4, 2008 | Reply
Looks like someone’s polished the Daimler’s grille and headlamp bezels.
Maybe it’s in the first stage of a resto…
Jim | Sep 4, 2008 | Reply
“had the time, dollars or sterling to invest”
It would need to be a labor of love as the resto cost would be several times the value at auction.
Islands do provide a safe haven for vintage autos for regular use. Short driving distances and low to moderate speed are conducive to an active life. Just wash it regularly to stanch the corrosive effects of the salty air.
peter | Apr 26, 2009 | Reply
What you’ve got is an extremely rare (even for Daimler)Hooper bodied Empress two door coupe. Of 100 bodies made by Hooper on the DB 18 chassis 94 were bodied as saloons and of those maybe only a handful were of the two door configuration. At least one was made especially for Lady Docker the wife of the chairman of the company. There is one in the State in California I think, a beautiful car.
Gunnar | Apr 26, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for filling us in, Peter! It is, in fact, a gorgeous car. And what a marvelous restoration project.