Description
Daimler Lightweight 20 | 1937
Highlights:
– Rare pre-war cabriolet with classic British elegance
– Inline six-cylinder petrol engine with 2.7 litres
– Cabriolet bodywork with charming vintage lines
– Drives, shifts and brakes
– Automatic transmission
The seller offers for sale this 1937 Daimler Lightweight 20 Cabriolet, a British touring car from the pre-war era, featuring a 2.7-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine. With its rare open bodywork and classic proportions, it combines the charm of its time with Daimler’s reputation for solid engineering. It is equipped with a non-standard type of automatic gearbox and is one of the few surviving examples of its kind. There are no functioning indicators, brake lights, or general lighting, and the vehicle does not have a valid technical inspection.
The exterior presents in overall decent condition, though showing signs of age and previous repairs. The paintwork and bodywork may require some reworking or partial restoration. There may be areas where parts need replacing, especially if the car is to be driven more frequently or displayed. The interior exhibits age-related wear, including impact damage and material fatigue, which may necessitate repairs or refurbishment. Mechanically, the car is generally reliable, although certain components could require maintenance or overhaul over time. This is not an untouched showpiece but rather a usable and restorable classic from a distinctive period in British automotive history.
Daimler, one of Britain’s oldest car manufacturers, was established in 1896 and is renowned for producing vehicles with royal connections and a reputation for refined engineering. The Daimler Lightweight 20 was produced during the interwar period and offered a balance of performance and luxury in a market recovering from economic downturns. Daimler models from this era often featured pre-selector gearboxes, robust inline six-cylinder engines, and carefully crafted interiors. Although Daimler stood somewhat in the shadow of marques like Bentley and Rolls-Royce in terms of prestige, the brand retained its solid reputation for technical innovation, especially with its patented fluid flywheel and advanced chassis design for the time.
The Lightweight 20 series was not built in large numbers and represents a snapshot of pre-war British motoring history. It offered moderate performance, refined ride comfort for its era, and understated design that appealed to the upper middle class in 1930s England. Surviving examples of this model are rare and are often held by collectors who appreciate their subtle elegance and mechanical simplicity. Although lacking modern conveniences, the car offers a tactile, analogue driving experience that connects its driver to a bygone era of craftsmanship.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
3. Good: Repairs to the bodywork and paint may be needed, possibly requiring part replacements.
Condition of the Interior
3. Good: Shows typical wear; may require some repairs or part replacements.
Technical Condition
3. Good: Generally reliable, but may need some maintenance or repairs.
Overall Condition
3. Good Condition: May need some mechanical and cosmetic repairs, but can drive.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Ticino canton, Switzerland.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a UK registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
