Description

The Daimler 45 HP Open Drive Limousine was one of the most prestigious and imposing motorcars produced by the British Daimler Company during the Edwardian and early interwar periods. It represented the height of luxury motoring in the early 20th century and was typically commissioned by royalty, heads of state, or the very wealthiest members of society.

The “45 HP” designation referred to the vehicle’s tax horsepower rating, a common system in the UK that was loosely based on engine size. In practice, the Daimler 45 HP was powered by a large-capacity six-cylinder sleeve-valve engine, which delivered smooth and relatively quiet performance. Daimler was well-known for its use of sleeve-valve technology, which it licensed from the American company Knight. These engines were favoured in luxury vehicles for their refined operation, although they were more complex to build and maintain.

The “Open Drive Limousine” body style was characterized by a partitioned interior, with the chauffeur’s compartment in the open at the front and the passenger cabin fully enclosed at the rear. This configuration maintained a formal division between the driver and the passengers. The rear compartment was opulently appointed with luxurious fabrics, deep upholstery, polished wood trim, and often included accessories such as speaking tubes, glass dividers, and folding occasional seats.

These cars were coachbuilt to order, meaning Daimler supplied the running chassis and mechanicals, while specialist bodybuilders such as Hooper, Barker, or Mulliner created the bespoke bodywork to suit the owner’s desires. No two Daimler 45 HP limousines were exactly the same. Details such as roof height, window shapes, and interior fittings varied widely, and customers could tailor everything from the choice of paintwork to the configuration of interior cabinets and lamps.

With its enormous proportions, the Daimler 45 HP Open Drive Limousine made a powerful visual impression. It was often used in ceremonial or official capacities, and in some cases, it was deployed as a state car. Daimler’s long-standing relationship with the British royal family added further cachet to the model, which was seen as a vehicle of dignity and authority.

Driving such a car required significant skill. The transmission was likely a four-speed manual, and the controls were mechanical and heavy by modern standards. Braking systems of the time were mechanical as well, requiring anticipation and care from the chauffeur. Nonetheless, once underway, the car provided a smooth, stately ride thanks to its long wheelbase, substantial weight, and flexible engine.

Today, surviving Daimler 45 HP Open Drive Limousines are rare and considered valuable historical artefacts. They are preserved in museums, private collections, or royal fleets, occasionally appearing at high-end vintage car shows or classic motoring events where they are admired for their craftsmanship, elegance, and representation of an opulent motoring age long past.