Lot Ended
Description
1952 Daimler DE36 Hooper Spey Touring Limousine
No
Reserve
Orginally built for Lord Beaverbrook in 1950/51 with
Hooper body and custom interior; complete build details on file; DE36 Daimlers
have often been used by the British royal family
This is a phenomenally imposing machine, in more ways than one –
size, presentation and detailed history from day one to name just a
few.
The impressive Hooper limousines were
favoured by the Royal Family and what better way to celebrate the platinum
jubilee than buying yourself a 1952 limousine with true regal
presence.
Both the current and previous owners
of this car are very knowledgeable and keen on their respective Daimler
collections, so a lot of research has gone into the history of this
one.
Included within the file are copies of
original memos from Hooper & Co acknowledging the arrival of chassis 52822
in December 1950 and the marrying up with body number 9382 on behalf of well
known dealers Stratstone Ltd, acting
for their client, Lord Beaverbrook.
The rear
cabin was customised by Daimler to include an extra seat in the back instead of
the folding table, no doubt for Beaverbrook to use himself when he was
entertaining his close friend, Sir Winston Churchill….
Countless letters are on file between Hooper, Daimler and
Stratstone documenting the entire production of this Daimler, including
confirmation of the desired exterior colour of Valentine Vineyard Green and
Black to accompany the Connolly Beige leather front compartment and Boyrivens
fawn rear. Dual HMV radios were also fitted to the rear to match the
configuration of Beaverbrooks previous Hooper Rolls Royce
Wraith.
In January 1952, shortly before
Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II, the final touches were made to
this glorious car by Beaverbrooks chauffeur and it was delivered on the
1st April. Obviously, there was some fine tuning to do over the
following 12 months as is explained in further correspondence until an
accident affected a door and wing which was immediately put right by Hooper in
1954.
MXF 687 appears to have had a few more
distinguished owners before being acquired by a Daimler enthusiast and wedding
business c.2014. Soon after it landed with our vendor, who now desperately needs
some space in his barn – the removal of this one allows for at least another 3
to be bought undercover!!
The paintwork has
suffered a little over the years but is still perfectly respectable. The vast
engine bay is clean and tidy with a 5,460cc straight-eight purring beauty
inside. It’s certainly a runner and a driver – you just need to have some good
spacial awareness!
Offered with no reserve,
simply because that’s the best way to realise the true value of something, the
highest bidder will take it home – and possibly some of Churchills cigar ash in
the ashtray too!
Contact - toby.service@brightwells.com
* All charges are subject to VAT