1955 Daimler Regency 2
(Featured on 20th March 2011)
Make: Daimler
Model: Regency 2
Year: 1955
Registration: RDU 989
Mileage: 47,000
Sellers original description:
Model History:
The Daimler Regency was a luxury car made in Coventry by the British Daimler Motor Company between 1951 and 1956. The car was made in two versions, the Regency and the Regency II. Only 52 examples of the Regency I were made before production stopped in early 1953. The revised II model came out in October 1954, slightly longer and lower and it could be supplied with a choice of the 3468 cc or larger 4617 cc six. The chassis was made of box section steel and was cruciform braced going over the rear axle. The suspension was independent at the front using coil springs but retained traditional leaf springs and live axle at the rear. The British Motor magazine tested a 3468 cc Regency II saloon in 1955 recording a top speed of 82.8 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in 22.7 seconds and a fuel consumption of 15.7 miles per gallon. The Regency II car cost £2324 including taxes.
Interior:
The original and un-restored leather upholstery is beautiful showing some slight signs of patina as you would expect being 55 years old but is all in keeping with the quality restoration of the car. The desirable cream gauges and polished walnut are like new, the heater matrix has been re-cored and works perfectly. New wool carpets have recently been fitted throughout to complement the over all finish of the car. The original Daimler spoked steering wheel with centre emblem faces back at you and you know your driving an prestigious vehicle. The original tool kit is complete and correctly located in the luggage compartment.
Exterior:
The bodywork is superb. When the car was stripped to bare metal there was no rot found and no welding required. Although the professional body restoration was done some 10 years ago the coat of paint is still excellent with no rot or blistering evident, this is testament to the quality of the workmanship. The colour scheme is original, most of the brightwork has been restored or replaced and is A1 condition.
Wheels:
The wheels have all been refurbished and the hub caps re-chromed.
Engine:
The Six cylinder engine has no leaks etc and to use a an accurate phrase it "ticks like a watch" very smooth and comes off choke very quickly. The engine has been removed and over hauled but little work was required having done such low mileage so a little tlc and attention to detail was all it needed. Whilst the engine was out the engine bay was also repainted during the main body restoration. The 4 speed preselector gearbox works well having benefited from a complete rebuild, the Daimler fluid flywheel is all fine and levels have recently been checked.
Standard Equipment:
Telescopic steering column, reserve petrol tank, automatic chassis lubrication, courtesy lights, walnut trim, additional driving lights, front and rear quarter lights, dual front arm rests, rear arm rest, rear walnut tables.
Summary:
Introducing this very rare 1955 3.5 litre Daimler Regency II, described by the worlds press "As a car with a sense of occasion it is the complete answer to the man of affairs who needs a car that will take him from place to place with great rapidity, in supreme comfort and with considerable prestige."
According to a Daimler Club Member it is believed to be one of only 6 left on the road today and its over all condition its probably one of the best available. Only a very small number of these elegant cars were produced from October 1954 thru to late 1955. So with such a small time window now very rare.
Along with very low mileage of 47000 and 3 owners from new this makes this car very special, rare and desirable.
The Last owner of 11 years had a no expense spared restoration during 2000/1, it has been dry stored ever since.
Prior to this the previous owner was handed the car following his fathers death, it was dry stored and only used for car shows etc for some 30 years.
The car has a fantastic detailed history file with many photographs, invoices and historic documents.
Photos:
