Highlights

One of the last 500s to be built
Kept by its first owner until 2021
90,000 (€107,230) restoration completed in late 2000, very little used since then
Beautifully presented in two-tone blue with dark blue leather interior
Exempt from MOT

The most

In the 1930s and 1940s, Daimler enjoyed a reputation for producing cars of high quality, but which were often considered a little austere. Lady Docker tried to change this image with her famous "Docker Daimlers".

However, looking at this superb DB18 Special Sports, one wonders whether this reputation was really deserved. Presented at the 1948 London Motor Show, the car featured an upside-down version of Daimler's fluted grille, which served as the starting point for Barker's sleek, flowing design.

Today, it is a truly magnificent car, especially when dressed, as it is here, in a stunning two-tone livery. Few people had the opportunity to admire it at the time, as only 500 examples were produced until 1952.

The Special Sports was built by Barker on a modified DB18 chassis and powered by an 85bhp 2.5L in-line six-cylinder engine with twin carburettors. This is probably one of the best surviving examples, thanks to a £90,000 (€107,230) restoration carried out between 1999 and 2000 without any concessions, at the request of its original owner.

The quality of the work carried out and the low mileage since then mean that future buyers will be able to enjoy an exceptionally well-preserved car. The finish is impressive, both on the body panels and in the refined interior.

It starts off well, although a general check and service are recommended after its recent period of storage. Once this is done, you will have in your hands a true period rarity.

History and Documents

First registered on 10 January 1952
Chassis number D59131 (last chassis produced: D59239)
One of the last DB18 Special Sports models built
We have independently verified that there were only 500 examples in existence
Two registered owners in the UK
UK number plate: XMK899
Original green paintwork, changed during restoration
UK MOT records indicate very limited use since restoration
Original owner: a businessman from Harrogate, UK, until June 2021
We understand that the car has remained in the same family for most of its life
Complete restoration carried out by David Royle & Co Ltd between 1999 and 2000
Total restoration cost £90,000 (€107,230), invoices not available
Current French registration document (carte grise collection)
Reproduction owner's booklet included, as well as various administrative documents
Seller reports that the car has been in storage most of the time since 2012
MOT records show less than 100 miles (160 km) travelled since 2009
Exempt from MOT
Acquired by the vendor at an H&H auction in 2024
Mileage shown is not verified
Supplied with an additional optional grille mascot
Still stored in garage by current vendor

General Condition

Finished in dark blue and light blue (bubbles are present mainly on the light side), with matching roof and soft top
Very few signs of age, although due to the age of the restoration some minor imperfections are to be expected
Scratches on the left rear wheel cover, but no deformation of the part
Bodywork in excellent condition, with smooth panels reflecting a top-of-the-range restoration
A few areas of micro-bubbling on the light blue paintwork
Well-maintained underbody, with no problems reported by the seller
Light blue painted steel wheels with quality vintage tyres
Exterior chrome in excellent condition with no visible tarnish or damage
Blue roof and matching soft top well preserved and tight fitting
Dark blue leather interior in overall good condition with light patina
Seller recommends restoration of front seats (visible in photos)
Restored interior woodwork in very good condition
Well-preserved dials, controls, trim, carpets and door panels
Original features: three-spoke spring steering wheel and period radio
No problems reported with electrics, lighting, controls or dials

What a magnificent car! This elegant Special Sports was repainted in two-tone blue during the restoration between 1999 and 2000, having originally been green. We approve of this change, because this combination of blues highlights the curved lines of the model and harmonises perfectly with the extensive chrome.

Although the restoration was carried out a quarter of a century ago, it is a testament to the expertise of David Royle & Co Ltd that the car remains in remarkable condition. Only a few light marks of age betray its low usage over the years, but they are barely perceptible. Inside, the blue leather interior has a light patina, further enhancing the charm of this exceptional rarity.

Mechanical

85 bhp 2,522 cm³ in-line six-cylinder engine in Special Sports configuration
Twin carburettors
Wilson 4-speed manual gearbox with pre-selector
Transmission with smooth flywheel and Daimler-typical pre-selective gearbox
Semi-elliptic rear suspension and independent coil-sprung front suspension
Slight transmission fluid leak reported
Ignition and carburettors need checking
Seller recommends a general service before use
Car starts but needs servicing
Engine compartment very clean as shown in photos

BEFORE BUYING

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We ask that a non-refundable fee is paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.

✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI-checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].

Comments

john-sh••••

19 hours ago

What arrangements can be made to get the car back to UK ? How much micro blistering of the light blue paint work is there ? Thanks John .

marc-gr••••

Seller

16 hours ago

I don't know whether a return to the UK would entail customs duties. You'd have to repaint all the light blue to get it right, but you can only see the bubbles up close.

Translated from: Français