Description

The Daimler Double Six 40/50 Walter Sport Saloon was an exceptional expression of British automotive engineering blended with European coachbuilding flair. Built during the early 1930s, it was based on Daimler’s top-of-the-line Double Six chassis and powered by one of the most refined engines of its time.

At the heart of the Double Six 40/50 was a 7.1-litre or 7.3-litre V12 sleeve-valve engine. Daimler’s use of sleeve-valve technology made these engines extraordinarily smooth and quiet, an important trait for luxury motoring in that era. The engine delivered strong torque and effortless cruising capability, suitable for the large and heavy saloon bodywork. Its performance was not focused on speed but on delivering serene, refined travel in total comfort.

The “Walter” in the name referred to the Czech coachbuilder Carrosserie Sodomka (later known as Tatra’s coachbuilder), often associated with the Walter automobile company, which fitted custom bodies to imported luxury chassis. In this case, the sport saloon body was a continental interpretation of British luxury, blending traditional proportions with a slightly more streamlined, modern European influence.

The car’s styling was elegant and stately. It featured a long bonnet, flowing wings, and a sloping rear, with a tall and upright radiator grille that gave it a commanding presence. The roofline of the sport saloon was typically lower and more refined than that of a limousine, with subtle curves and a carefully tailored stance. The saloon offered a fixed roof, four-door access, and a luxurious enclosed passenger cabin.

Inside, the cabin was furnished with the highest standards of craftsmanship. Seats were upholstered in fine leather, the headlining was often made of silk or high-grade wool, and polished wood was used extensively across the dashboard, door caps, and window frames. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, occasional tables, and sometimes a communication device to speak with the chauffeur.

The Double Six 40/50 Walter Sport Saloon was rare even in its own time. These vehicles were custom-built to order for extremely wealthy clients, and no two were exactly alike. The collaboration between Daimler and European coachbuilders such as Walter or Sodomka added an international dimension to what was already a highly exclusive British motor car.

Today, examples of the Double Six 40/50 Walter Sport Saloon are extremely scarce and highly prized by collectors and museums. They represent not only the pinnacle of Daimler’s engineering but also the artistry of interwar coachbuilding. Surviving cars are often meticulously restored and shown at top-level concours events, admired for their combination of power, elegance, and historical significance.