Description
The Daimler DB18 Empress Saloon by Hooper was a distinguished post-war British luxury car that combined Daimler’s engineering with the bespoke craftsmanship of one of Britain’s most esteemed coachbuilders. Produced in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Empress Saloon was a more exclusive and elegant variant of the standard DB18, offered to a clientele who valued individuality, refinement, and the prestige of coachbuilt design.
At its core, the Empress was built on the same chassis and mechanical platform as the Daimler DB18, featuring a 2.5-litre inline-six engine. This engine, equipped with overhead valves, delivered smooth, reliable performance appropriate for a formal saloon. Power was transmitted through Daimler’s distinctive pre-selector gearbox and fluid flywheel combination, which provided seamless gear changes and a refined driving experience. While not a high-performance vehicle, the Empress was designed to cruise in comfort and silence.
What truly set the Empress apart was its bodywork by Hooper & Co., a coachbuilding firm known for supplying hand-crafted bodies to royalty and aristocracy. The Empress Saloon featured a more flowing and stylish interpretation of the DB18’s lines, with graceful curves, a swept-back roofline, and elegant rear wings that extended to the tail in a teardrop shape. The front end was marked by a tall, imposing Daimler grille and carefully integrated headlamps that blended into the bodywork more smoothly than the standard saloon.
The interior of the Empress Saloon was finished to an exceptionally high standard. Rich wood veneers lined the dashboard and window frames, while deep leather seats and thick carpeting added to the sense of luxury. Rear passengers were treated to generous space, fold-out tables, and often included such features as privacy blinds and footrests. Each car was bespoke, allowing for customer preferences in color schemes, upholstery, and fittings.
The Empress Saloon was not a mass-produced vehicle. Each example took considerable time to build, as the Hooper body was mounted by hand onto the Daimler chassis and individually trimmed to specification. As a result, the Empress was significantly more expensive than the standard DB18 saloon and was aimed at an elite market segment that included diplomats, successful professionals, and foreign dignitaries.
Despite being rooted in pre-war mechanicals, the Empress remained a desirable and dignified vehicle into the early 1950s. Its coachbuilt design made it stand out among more conventional offerings, and its understated elegance appealed to buyers who wanted luxury without ostentation. It was particularly popular in export markets such as India and the Commonwealth nations, where it was often used for ceremonial purposes.
Today, the Daimler DB18 Empress Saloon by Hooper is a highly collectible classic car. Its rarity, craftsmanship, and association with post-war British luxury make it a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors of coachbuilt vehicles. Preserved examples are admired for their graceful styling and enduring presence, offering a glimpse into a period when luxury motoring was as much about craftsmanship as it was about engineering.