Oldest Daimler on the road coming to Bonhams Golden Age sale

Bonhams - This year's Bonhams Golden Age of Motoring Sale, which showcases historic names of pioneering motoring, will present the oldest Daimler on the road in the auction house's New Bond Street salesroom on November 4th, two days before the annual Veteran Car Run.

The 1897 Daimler Twin-Cylinder 4HP Tonneau was the second car manufactured at Daimler’s Coventry factory. Although it was demonstrated to the then Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, the Daimler’s first owner was Colonel Arthur Mulliner, of the eponymous coachbuilding family. His cousin Henry (H.J.) was of course famous for creating bespoke bodies for Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Together, the pair took part in the inaugural run of The Automobile Club of Great Britain in London’s Pall Mall.

Not surprisingly, this Daimler is clothed in a bespoke Mulliner Tonneau body, most likely added after the car had been returned to the factory circa 1900 for updating , including tiller steering and front suspension.

This Daimler is itself a veteran of more than 50 London to Brighton Veteran Car Runs, the world’s longest-running motoring event. Its debut was in the 1897 Commemoration Run, a year on from the Emancipation Run which celebrated the raising of the speed limit from 4mph to a heady 14mph.

Now offered from 72 years’ single-family ownership, the Daimler was acquired by the vendor’s father in 1952 who oversaw a total restoration of the car, before driving it to Brighton in that year’s Run and, two decades later, led the ‘Drive Into Europe’ rally to Brussels to mark the UK’s entry into the Common Market. 

As ever, a fine boutique selection of Veteran motor cars, plus associated automobilia, will be presented in the main Bond Street salerooms. Other highlights of this annual celebration of the Veteran Car Run include:

1898 Peugeot Type 15 8HP Twin-Cylinder Double Phaeton - Advanced for its day, the Peugeot offered 4-speed plus reverse transmission, plus an early form of cruise control. This car was the subject of a nut-and-bolt restoration by specialist Smallbone and Sons in the 1990s, taking part in the 100^th anniversary Veteran Car Run upon completion. It has made the journey from London to Brighton several times since.

1917 Lancia Theta Sports Tourer - One of only 19 believed survivors of the model, it was originally imported as a rolling chassis by the UK’s Ministry of War, which used many such vehicles to mount anti-aircraft guns or mobile searchlights. The Theta is now offered from nearly 50 years’ ownership of a Lancia connoisseur who restored it to factory specification in the 1990s.

1907 Stanley EX steam-powered motor car - Produced by the American Stanley twins, the eponymous motor cars were considered the premier ‘steamers’ to own, with a reputation for performance, high-tech design and engineering prowess. This example was in previous family ownership for 87 years, passing through three generations, and was the subject of a major restoration in the 1990s.

1903 Humber Olympia Tandem Forecar - One of the earliest surviving Humbers, produced by the former bicycle manufacturer. Restored in 2000, this tandem is eligible for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, as well as prestigious motorcycle events: the Sunbeam MCC's Pioneer Run from Epsom to Brighton, and the VMCC's Banbury Run.

For further details visit: Bonhams : The Golden Age Of Motoring or contact: ukcars@bonhams.com.

Sale:       The Golden Age of Motoring

Location: New Bond Street, London

Date:       November 4, 2022

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, motor cars and a luxury division, including jewelry, watches, wine and whisky. The main salesrooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 53 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

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