Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1940 Daimler EL24 Limousine
No Reserve
Registration No: EWK 959
Chassis No: 48053
MOT: Exempt
Subject to over £5, 000 of mechanical works in the current ownership since purchased from H&H in 2021
The beneficiary of previous extensive restoration including a new ash frame
Offered with much documentation plus maintenance literature
Introduced in 1937, the Daimler EL24 featured a 10ft 4in wheelbase and more interior space than many rivals thanks to the forward positioning of its 3. 3-litre straight-six OHV engine. Based around a cruciform-braced, box-section chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension, Luvax shock absorbers and Dewandre servo-assisted Girling drum brakes, the newcomer was available with a choice of open and closed coachwork some of which was crafted in-house, but most six-light Limousines were bodied by Charlesworth. The four-speed pre-selector gearbox was allied to the marque’s fluid flywheel and employed a direct drive top gear. It is believed that only 710 examples were made up until 1940.
First registered on the 19th February 1940, chassis 48053 is understood to retain its original registration number ‘EWK 959’ which denotes that it was first delivered to the Coventry area. Little is known about its early history, but having survived its birth and early years during the depths of the Second World War it made its way to Mr Ron Rostron who acquired it during the late 1960’s. The vendor contacted Mr Rostron after acquiring the stately Limousine from the H&H May 2021 Duxford Sale and Mr Rostron remembered ‘EWK’ well. He recalled that he purchased the car from a roadside for £46 and the long lost buff logbook stated that the car was ‘destroyed in action’ in the Coventry factory where it was made – yet the car survives?
Fast forward some years however, and the car was in the possession of a Mrs Anne Cannon who acquired it during 2003. It is understood that between Mrs Cannon's custodianship and it being sold to the previous owner during 2016 that 'EWK' was subject to a complete body and mechanical overhaul which included a new ash frame, respray, rewire, re-plating of the bright work and a re-trim with black leather in the driver’s compartment and a West of England Wool cloth trim in the passenger compartment. The car then spent some time in a museum on static display until the vendor acquired it in 2021 and entrusted the car to Connaught Cars to perform recommissioning works. In total, around £5, 000 was spent during this time and the vendor now rates its all-round condition as ‘very good’ mechanically and cosmetically.
Now offered for sale due a house-move within London that means that storage space is being lost, ‘EWK 959’ is a rare survivor that should be an excellent addition to any collection. This magnificent Daimler is offered complete with a large history file that evidences expenditure, plus a copy of ‘The Driving Member’ (The Daimler & Lanchester club’s magazine’ that features the car.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
