Description
The Daimler DE36 Drophead Coupé by Hooper was one of the most exclusive and striking luxury cars produced in Britain during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Based on Daimler’s powerful DE36 chassis, it combined the mechanical refinement of a 5.5-litre straight-eight engine with the elegance and craftsmanship of bespoke coachbuilding by Hooper & Co., a firm long associated with royal and aristocratic clientele.
The DE36 chassis was Daimler’s largest and most prestigious platform, introduced after World War II and designed to offer smooth, effortless motoring on a grand scale. Its 5.5-litre overhead-valve straight-eight engine was engineered for quiet, refined power delivery, rather than outright performance. It was mated to Daimler’s fluid flywheel and pre-selector gearbox, allowing for seamless gear changes and a relaxing driving experience, especially suitable for long-distance touring or chauffeur-driven travel.
The Drophead Coupé version, bodied by Hooper, transformed this stately mechanical package into a visually stunning grand tourer. The car featured graceful, flowing lines, a long bonnet, and an elegant three-position folding fabric roof. When lowered, the roof folded neatly behind the rear seats, preserving the clean silhouette of the body. The front end was distinguished by the traditional Daimler fluted grille and large round headlamps, giving the car an authoritative presence.
Inside, the DE36 Drophead Coupé was a masterpiece of traditional British luxury. The cabin featured rich materials such as hand-stitched leather upholstery, polished walnut trim, and deep pile carpeting. Seating was arranged in a 2+2 layout, offering ample room for two front occupants and occasional space in the rear. Every detail was crafted to order, and no two cars were exactly alike. Customers could specify colour schemes, dashboard configurations, and accessories, ensuring a personalised and exclusive motoring experience.
The DE36 Drophead Coupé was produced in extremely limited numbers—only a handful were built, and many of them were reserved for high-ranking individuals, heads of state, or wealthy export clients. One of the most famous examples was commissioned for the British Royal Family and became known as the “Green Goddess,” a term that came to symbolise the car’s commanding elegance.
Despite its impressive scale and opulence, the DE36 Drophead Coupé retained good road manners for a vehicle of its size. Its ride quality was smooth and composed, thanks to its long wheelbase and well-engineered suspension. It was not built for speed but rather for presence and effortless travel, combining classic luxury with a commanding open-air motoring experience.
Today, the Daimler DE36 Drophead Coupé by Hooper is considered one of the crown jewels of British post-war coachbuilt cars. Extremely rare and highly sought after, surviving examples are mostly found in museums or the hands of dedicated collectors. These vehicles represent the final era of truly bespoke motor cars, when craftsmanship, prestige, and individuality defined the ultimate in automotive luxury.