Motoring: Marques Of The Century 4. Daimler

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There must be some connection with German giant Daimler-Benz...

Well, yes. Frederick Simms first met the legendary engineer Gottlieb Daimler in 1888 and from 1891 imported Daimler's engines for use in boats. It is claimed that Simms helped with engine development and The Daimler Motor Syndicate was formed in 1893 to build cars under licence. Both companies went their separate ways in 1898 and it means Daimler cars cannot be exported to certain markets, including the USA.

What were the early Daimlers' distinguishing features?

Initially they were large, powerful four-cylinder vehicles. When bought by BSA in 1910 the emphasis changed to smooth, silent, dignified vehicles in the Rolls Royce mould, with large engines. They had fluted radiator grilles - apart from the badge, the only unique feature that survives to this day.

Doesn't Royalty have a thing for a Daimler?

The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, was Daimler's first blue blooded customer in 1900. The House of Windsor switched to Rolls Royce in the Fifties.

So Daimler only built posh cars then...

No, Daimler has a history of commercial vehicles. The KPL Omnibus of 1910 was one of Britain's first double-deckers. In the First World War, their three-ton trucks served with distinction. In the Second, more than 10,000 armoured scout cars did too. The Daimler range broadened in the Thirties with affordable BSA-badged cars and middle-class Lanchesters.

So no sports car then?

Daimler surprised everyone with their fibreglass bodied, V8 powered SP250. It had disc brakes on all wheels, and top speed was more than 120mph. Also known as the Daimler Dart and popular with some police forces as a pursuit vehicle, not everyone appreciated its weird plastic looks or poor quality bodywork.

Was that the only exciting Daimler?

No. Daimler chairman, Sir Bernard Docker and his wife Norah, livened up several Fifties motor shows with over the top, gold plated, lizard- upholstered DE series cars. But Daimler was now making a loss.

What happened after the Dockers?

Jaguar bought the company in 1960 and Daimler models were phased out. Only the hand-built DS420 Limousine remained in production until 1991. Effectively, Daimlers have become rebadged, better equipped Jaguar saloons. Pity.