Description
The Daimler DE36 Limousine 5.5 Litre was one of the most opulent and powerful British luxury cars of the immediate post-war era, produced by the Daimler Company between 1946 and 1953. It stood at the pinnacle of Daimler’s offerings and was built for royalty, heads of state, and the wealthiest private clients. As the largest and most prestigious model in the Daimler range, the DE36 combined immense size with traditional craftsmanship and a smooth, powerful driving experience.
At its heart, the DE36 featured a massive 5.5-litre straight-eight engine, a design that had originally been developed before the war. This overhead-valve engine delivered a significant amount of torque and smooth, quiet performance that was ideally suited to a large limousine. It was paired with Daimler’s unique fluid flywheel and pre-selector gearbox system, which allowed for exceptionally smooth and relaxed gear changes—particularly advantageous for chauffeur-driven applications.
The DE36’s chassis was immense, with a long wheelbase that provided ample space for elaborate and coachbuilt bodywork. While Daimler offered a standard limousine body, many DE36 models were delivered as rolling chassis to prominent coachbuilders such as Hooper, Barker, and Mulliners, who produced custom-built saloons, drophead coupés, and formal limousines. The most iconic of these were the Hooper-bodied “Green Goddess” state limousines used by the British Royal Family.
The styling of the DE36 Limousine was formal and imposing. The tall fluted Daimler radiator grille, large circular headlamps, long flowing fenders, and elevated roofline gave the car a stately and regal presence. Many examples featured rear-hinged doors for ease of access, particularly to the rear compartment, which was the focal point of luxury. Body detailing was typically restrained, relying on graceful proportions and understated chrome to convey elegance.
The interior of the DE36 was a showcase of bespoke British craftsmanship. Rear passenger accommodation featured luxurious upholstery in fine leather or wool, extensive polished wood trim, and deep carpeting. The most exclusive examples included division partitions, fold-out occasional seats, writing tables, vanity mirrors, and even built-in radios or intercoms. The ride quality was soft and refined, aided by the car’s sheer size and heavy-duty suspension.
The DE36 Limousine was not produced in high numbers due to its cost and exclusivity. It was used primarily for ceremonial and state occasions, by royal households, foreign embassies, and as executive transport for the most elite clients. During the early post-war years, it represented British luxury motoring at its most grand and formal.
Production of the DE36 ended in the early 1950s, as the automotive industry began moving toward more modern and practical luxury vehicles. Daimler eventually replaced it with newer models like the DK400 and later the DS420 for formal use. However, the DE36 remained the most ambitious and technically advanced limousine Daimler had produced in the traditional luxury style.
Today, the Daimler DE36 Limousine 5.5 Litre is an extremely rare and highly collectible vehicle. Surviving examples are most often found in museums or high-end collections, where they are preserved for their historical significance, mechanical uniqueness, and unmatched presence. As a post-war representation of British royal motoring, the DE36 continues to be admired as a symbol of grandeur and aristocratic refinement.