Car No. 30652
Engine No. 51786

In 1926, Daimler introduced the Double Six, a V12 design masterpiece by Laurence H. Pomeroy. The engine utilized Charles Knight's patented sleeve valve design, which replaced traditional poppet valves with ported, concentric sleeves which boasted nearly silent operation, its 7.1-liters producing 150 horsepower. Over a span of ten years, these cars were constructed according to client specifications, offering a vast array of body styles and chassis lengths, with approximately 500 examples produced. Built to the highest standards and using the finest materials, many of these vehicles were sacrificed during the scrap drives of the Second World War, leaving only a precious few survivors.

This 1928 Daimler Royal Limousine is one of only twelve examples believed to have been built on the 163-inch wheelbase and is the only known surviving example. It measures a massive 21 feet from bumper to bumper, stands nearly seven feet tall, and weighs just over four tons without passengers or luggage. The Daimler being the largest production automobile built in Great Britain, and being comparable in proportion with the legendary Bugatti Type 41 Royale, found much greater success. While only six of the latter were produced with only three sold to customers, Daimler found great success with the rich, famous, and royal with its Double-Six.

Upon completion, Car No. 30652 was exported to South Wales, Australia, where it found its first owner, Sir Frederick Harold Stewart. Mr. Stewart, founder of the Metropolitan Omnibus & Transportation Company, purchased the vehicle at the height of his commercial success, before entering politics in 1930. He was later elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1931, serving until 1946. In 1935, Stewart was knighted, and licensed his Daimler with the registration NSW 1.

The car remained in Australia until 1964 when it was acquired by George Sevenoaks, from whom it was purchased by Harrah's Automobile Collection. Noted dealer Tom Barrett acquired the car upon the dispersal of the Harrah Collection, still appearing in completely original condition in dark brown & black, and after a refurbishment in ivory sold it to a Japanese collection around 1986. The Daimler returned to the United States in 2004 and, in 2007, was acquired by Bob Lorkowski, who undertook a complete and meticulous restoration in his shop.

This Pebble Beach-level restoration took two years to complete, and saw the car returned to its original color scheme of dark cordovan body with black fenders and roof, riding on massive 23-inch nickel plated wire wheels. The exterior is complemented by a beige Bedford cloth passenger compartment and is lavishly equipped with beautiful burl walnut trim, lamps, a cigar lighter and smoker's kit, a vanity, a Dictaphone, pull-down shades on all rear compartment windows, custom woven carpet matching the original salt-and-pepper wool cut pile, and fitted luggage in the rear trunk. The herculean effort would not only be evident in the impressive quality of the work, but the awards garnered in multiple prominent arenas.

Following the completion of the restoration, the Daimler was displayed at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it completed the Tour d'Elegance before receiving a class award. It was later awarded 100 points in the Classic Car Club of America competition and earned “Best of Show” at both the CCCA Annual Meeting in January 2010 and at MOTORCLASSICA in Australia. Acquired by the current collection over a decade ago, it has seen limited use, with the cosmetics being beautifully preserved, its long sequestration offering a wonderful selection of its opportunities for concours display around the world.