Shropshire Star

Winston Churchill’s campaign trail Daimler joins London Classic Car Show parade

The sole surviving DB18 Drophead Coupe recently underwent a £120,000 restoration and will feature in the classic car show’s central display

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A Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupe used by Winston Churchill during his political campaigns is to go on display at the London Classic Car Show this month.

The wartime leader toured the country in the vehicle, sitting on the back deck and addressing crowds via a loudspeaker system fitted to the bonnet.

(LCCS)
(LCCS)

Used by Churchill between 1944 and 1949, the vehicle, the only surviving example of its type, has recently undergone a £120,000 restoration.

It will join around 50 other classic vehicles on display on the Grand Avenue runway at the ExCeL convention centre in London.

Bas Bungish, event director at the London Classic Car Show, said: “This very special Daimler not only has enormous provenance in classic car circles as the only surviving DB18 Drophead Coupe, but is also a car that played a major role in shaping the history of this country and, indeed, the world. It ticks all the boxes.

“Its presence at The London Classic Car Show is all the more pertinent, too, with the film Darkest Hour putting the spotlight on Churchill’s incredible leadership and actor Gary Oldman tipped for an Oscar for his depiction of the great man.”

(LCCS)
(LCCS)

Production of the Drophead Coupe was halted in 1939 after war broke out. Just eight models had been built when the factory, was destroyed in the Blitz of 1940, with five of those being wiped out.

Of the surviving three, Churchill’s model is the only car still in existence today, and wears chassis number 49531 beneath its unique Carlton Carriage Company-designed body. The DB18 was considered the ultimate version of Daimler’s Fifteen model, featuring a 2.5-litre engine and independent suspension.

Churchill’s DB18 Drophead Coupe will be on display at the London Classic Car Show between February 15 and 18.

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