THE DAIMLER DB 18 BARKER SPECIAL SPORTS DROP HEAD COUPE
The Barker coachwork built on a DB18 chassis 1948-1952, A vertical in-line six cylinder engine of 2'522 cc, aluminium cylinder head, compression ratio 7 to 1.Twin SU carburettors. 85 bhp at 4,00 rpm, maximum torque 116 Ib. ft. at 2,200 rpm.
Transmission: 4 speed pre-selector gearbox, with direct third and overdrive fourth. A Daimler fluid flywheel and underslung worm drive rear axle giving 22.5 mph 1000 rpm.
It has a top speed of 85 M.P.H., Fuel Consumption 25 M.P.G., Dry Weight [32.5 cwt, or 1652 kg.]
Price on launch £2,560-7-10.
The distinctive Daimler fluted radiator was the result of the original cooling fins on the early cars smoothed down in later years. Another feature which was unique to Daimler from the early years was the under slung worm rear axle, It enabled the floor level to be kept low without the need for a driveshaft tunnel protruding into the rear floor.
The Daimler fluid flywheel transmission became available in 1933, up until 1930 no manufacturer made any attempt to improve the friction clutch and crash gearbox. When Daimler adopted the fluid flywheel, or torque converter as it is now called, coupled to the Wilson epicycle gearbox, gear changing became silent and smooth, the same principle as the present automatic box.
After many years of enjoyment with my three MG's and due to my wife's MS I decided the time had come for a change of vehicle, I had been admiring the Daimler Barker Special Sports for years, so it was decided I would hunt a decent specimen out. Daimler only made 400 on the DB18 chassis, and I found out that only about 60 + remained, I did look at one or two but they were in need of total restoration, a mammoth task.
Then out of the blue came a phone call from a chap I know, telling me of a Daimler Special Sports that had just come out of a Museum, and was going to auction soon, and would I like a look at it first. Out of courtesy I said I would come and have a quick look, so off we went with no intention of getting another car regardless of cost and condition.
I was informed that V V S 393 was originally M P H 1 and was bought by the previous owner for the number; the car was given to the museum where it rested for the next 20 years. When I went in to see it I was amazed at the condition of the body and interior, the engine was in need of a rebuild, and it would require a new loom, [31,000 miles on the clock] a deal was struck and it was transported up North.
Why it was named a Special Sports I do not know, sports it is not, special not quite, although it is very special to me, it is so smooth to drive and will run at 70 mph all day at under 3,000 rpm and give me 25 to the gallon.
Barbara and I have been up to Scotland many times; also to the South coast with V V S 393, and covered 30,000 miles since we got her, yes she is a lady, with that distinctive Barker Body!