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 1^st 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 - [email protected]