In February 2017 a Daimler DE36 – better known as the Green Goddess – owned by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) was brought to the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire and moved to the collections centre for display. This car has been with the trust for many years but had not been on public view until then.
Shown at the 1948 Earls Court London Motor Show on the Hooper & Co coachbuilder’s stand was a Daimler DE36 20ft open tourer with a straight eight engine and finished in an eye-catching turquoise paint scheme, which was immediately dubbed Green Goddess by the press. Priced at £7,001 (£250,000 or so today) it was the most expensive car at Earls Court. Autocar helpfully noted the price was “made up of approximately 36% government purchase tax, 35% coachwork price and 29% manufacturer’s chassis price. This car is designed as a roadster for an owner-driver who indulges in continental touring.”
Though the Daimler brochure issued at the time stated the DE36 was fitted with a straight eight cylinder of 4,095cc, when the model was produced the engine capacity was increased to 5,460cc, which was normal for the 150 bhp DE36 range. The transmission was of the well-known fluid flywheel and four-speed Daimler (Wilson) pre-selector gearbox. All had been tried and tested so there were no surprises awaiting the owner.
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av Best of British.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av Best of British.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Animal Magic
Hilary Middleton recalls a children's author whose tales are still enjoyed today
BACK IN TIME WITH COLIN BAKER
BoB's very own Time Lord prepares for an alternative to panto, recalls his early reading choices and having his scenes cut from two cutting edge comedies
Marvels in Miniature
Claire Saul learns about the exquisite works on display at a new exhibition being held at a historic Georgian mansion
The Last Post
Michael Foley witnessed the end of an era
The Box of Delights
Chris Hallam remembers how his Christmas 40 years ago was lit up by a magical television drama
The Queen of Stage and Screen
Chris Hallam pays tribute to actress Dame Maggie Smith
Other 07
Jonathan Sothcott looks at the seven Sir Roger Moore films that you should have in your collection
In the Best Possible Taste
Derek Lamb remembers the wireless wizardry of Kenny Everett
POSTCARD FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Bob Barton remembers a ghostly train journey, enjoys some wassailing and fulfils a long-held ambition of attending a lawnmower festival
MERCY MISSION
John Greeves recounts the remarkable exploits of Sunderland flying boat T9114