Conservation, History

Riding in Style

by Vicki Humphrey on 19 February, 2014

Chris van Schaardenburgh (left) and Stuart Wilkinson (right) with the Daimler de 36 at Coventry Transport Museum

On the 13th February, I had the good fortune to visit the Coventry Transport Museum to see the Daimler de36 Landaulette in their collection. Many thanks to Stuart Wilkinson, the Chairman of the Transport for organising the visit, driving me there and accompanying me throughout the visit. As usual with the vehicle community, he was really generous with time and information and has continued to chase up Daimler related things for us. Thanks also to Peter Grant for putting me in touch with Stuart. This really is a car community effort.

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History, Significance

The Governor’s splendid acquisition

by Laura Breen on 17 July, 2012

In researching our Daimler’s lengthy past, I was not the least bit surprised to discover that the car’s ceremonial duties did not cease with the completion of Queen Elizabeth’s royal tour in 1954. After all, in the aftermath of the royal visit, what else could be done with such a cumbersome and imposing motor car?

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History, Significance

King George’s visit cancelled!

by Laura Breen on 29 March, 2012

A man stands in front of twelve Daimler cars on a dock

This photograph of the Australian government’s completed order of Daimler cars, possibly taken by a proud factory employee in November 1948, is rendered all the more poignant in light of what happened next.

Each four-ton vehicle was fully equipped with every imaginable luxury – an electric-operated sun roof, cream Bedford cord and blue leather upholstery, a walnut dash, roller-sprung silk window blinds, engraved glass light fittings and ashtrays, thick fitted carpets and electric windows.

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History, Significance

Why Daimler?

by Laura Breen on 23 February, 2012

Daimler DE36hp car under construction
This is one of the images provided by John Lees. It illustrates the complex process by which the cars used for the South African royal tour were constructed.

In contrast to the anonymous black 4WD used to whisk the Queen around Australia during her most recent visit, this unwieldy and attention-grabbing Daimler must seem rather a curious choice of royal transport.

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