Churchill’s Daimler set for London show

A Daimler that once belonged to Prime Minister Winston Churchill will be one of the main attractions at this year’s London Classic Car Show. The car, which is the only surviving pre-war DB18 Drophead Coupe, was used by Churchill for his political campaigns between 1944 and 1949.

Touring the country, Churchill would sit on the rear deck addressing packed crowds via a loud speaker system fitted on the car’s bonnet. The DB18 was deemed appropriate as its relatively compact size ensured the huge numbers packing the streets could have a good view of their national hero.

Announced in 1939 just before the outbreak of hostilities, the DB18 was the ultimate version of Daimler’s famous Fifteen model. It was the first Daimler to boast independent suspension and was powered by an enlarged, 2522cc version of the overhead-valve six-cylinder first introduced in 1933.

An initial production run of 23 Drophead Coupés was planned for 1939, but production was soon halted when war broke out and didn’t resume until 1945. Adding to the disruption, only eight of the original cars had been built when Daimler’s factory was destroyed during the Blitz of 1940 and five of those were destroyed during the attack.

Today only one of the surviving three DB18s exists: chassis number 49531 – Winston Churchill’s car with its unique Carlton Carriage Company designed drophead coupe body. The car has just been restored for £120,000.

‘This very special Daimler not only has enormous provenance in the classic car circles as the only surviving DB18 Drophead Coupe but is also a car which played a major role in shaping the history of this county and, indeed, the world – it ticks all the boxes,’ said Bas Bungish, Event Director.

Classic car owners, collectors, experts and enthusiasts wanting to attend the 2018 London Classic Car Show can take advantage of significant discounts on offer when booking in advance. If purchased now, adult admission costs just £25 (£30 on the door) and a range of upgraded Premium and Family Tickets are also available at thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk.