Following WWII, Daimler modernised its prestige lineup, launching the advanced independent-suspension DE27 and straight-eight DE36 limousines for royal fleets. The 1950s brought the smaller Conquest and Regency saloons, though the era was commercially overshadowed by the extravagant, controversial “Docker Special” motor show cars, which triggered a boardroom coup in 1956.
To revive lagging sales, Daimler introduced Edward Turner’s legendary hemi-head V8 engine in the Majestic Major saloon and the glass-fibre-bodied SP250 Dart sports car. In 1960, Jaguar purchased Daimler primarily for its factory space, phasing out separate chassis engineering and the fluid flywheel. This transformative era concluded in 1968 with the launch of the Jaguar-based DS420 limousine.
Daimler DB18, Sports Special, Consort
Restyled pre-war small Daimler. Consort was a further update with the curved radiator grille from the Sports Special.
Years
1945-50; 1949-53; 1950-53
Engine
2522cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Saloon, DHC; DHC, Empress saloon; saloon
Production
3365, 608, 4250
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Daimler DE27 / DH27; DE36
The post-war limousines were as smooth as ever, but with stiffer chassis and coil spring IFS. Wings and running boards more integral. Engine modified from that of the wartime armoured car. DH27 was LWB. DE36 was final straight 8.
Years
1946-53
Engine
4095cc S6; 5460cc S8 OHV
Body Style
Saloon, DHC, limousine. specials
Production
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Daimler Regency / 104
Enlarged Consort. Retaining the pre-selector gearbox and fluid flywheel, they introduced modern styling, improved independent suspension, and high-speed cruising capability to rival contemporary Rolls-Royce and Jaguar models.
Years
1952-54, 1955-56; 1956-59
Engine
2952/3468/4617cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Saloon, Sportsman saloon (shown), Hooper Empress sports saloon
Production
51; 153, 66; 459
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Daimler Conquest / Conquest Century
Consort replacement. Austerity luxury based on the Lanchester Fourteen. The Century, upgraded to twin carburettors, a modified alloy cylinder head, higher compression and 100 bhp.
Years
1953-56; 1954-58
Engine
2433cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Saloon
Production
4568; 4818 (+234 DHC)
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Daimler Conquest Roadster / DHC
The roadster was first with the Century updates (but not the name), and was followed by the 4-seater Carbodies/Lanchester DHC with half-power top. Both were replaced by the 3-seater New DHC (shown).
Years
1954-55/1956-57
Engine
2433cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Roadster, DHC
Production
65, 54
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Daimler DK400 Regina
Last of the fluid flywheel cars, and replaced the final straight eights. Half a ton lighter but initially under-powered and overpriced. The launch was overshadowed by the extravagant Docker Daimler ‘Stardust’ show car.
Years
1954-60
Engine
4617cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Carbodies standard steel limousine, Hooper limousine, specials
Production
132
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Photo: Wikipedia
Daimler Majestic / Majestic Major / DR450
The last traditionally chassised Daimlers, with substantial coachbuilt presence. Edward Turner’s hemi-head V8 engine on the Major gave effortless high-speed cruising. The DR450 was the stretched limousine version. 4-wheel disc brakes.
Years
1958-62; 1960-68; 1961-68
Engine
3749/4561cc S6/V8 OHV
Body Style
Saloon, limousine
Production
940; 1180; 864
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Daimler SP250 ‘Dart’
The first use for the celebrated Turner V8. Ladder chassis heavily adapted from the TR3. Early cars suffered from severe chassis flex, badly affecting the GRP bodywork. Jaguar remedied this with stiffened chassis from 1961.
Years
1959-64
Engine
2548cc V8 OHV
Body Style
Sportscar
Production
2650
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Daimler 2.5-Litre / V8 250
Marriage of the smaller Turner V8 with the Mk II Jaguar body. Manual available from ’67 but rare.
Years
1963-69
Engine
2548cc V8 OHV
Body Style
Saloon
Production
.
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Daimler DS420
The last Daimler body – but modified from a Jaguar 420G monocoque, and with that car’s engine.
Years
1968-
Engine
4235cc S6 DOC Jaguar
Body Style
Limousine
Production
.
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
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