Classic car driven by Sir Winston Churchill during World War Two sells in Germany for £400,000 after online auction
Wednesday 8th May, 2013
This incredible classic car was used by Sir Winston Churchill during World War Two.
So it is no surprise that it has just fetched almost half-a-million pounds following an online auction.
However, what perhaps is a surprise is that the former favourite of Britain's celebrated war-time leader was sold from Germany.
Unique: This Daimler used during World War Two by Sir Winston Churchill has been sold on Ebay - from Germany
Expensive: Bidding began at just one euro but soared up to 470,050 euros (£397,000) after 114 offers in all during the ten-day auction
The beautifully restored, silver and black 1939 Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupi sparked a bidding frenzy on eBay.
Bidding began at just one euro but soared up to 470,050 euros (£397,000) after 114 offers in all during the ten-day auction.
The final price was around 16 times what most DB18 Dropheads cost.
While today’s MPs rely on private jets and coaches for electioneering, Churchill used his Daimler to hit the campaign trail from 1944 to 1949.
Churchill was caught on film several times atop the hood of EKV 881 with speaker systems adorning the bonnet area that allowed him to address the crowds who lined the streets to see him.
Daimler had intended to build 23 of the cars but only eight were completed before war ended production at its Coventry plant.
On the road: This photograph shows Winston Churchill in his Daimler which he used on the campaign trail from 1944 to 1949
Rare: Daimler had intended to build 23 of the cars but only eight were completed before war ended production at its Coventry plant
Four were destroyed by bombing of the plant in the Blitz and one was so badly damaged that it was sold for scrap.
The fate of two more is unknown, leaving Churchill’s as the only known survivor.
The historic motor boasts a 2.5-litre engine, does 0-60mph in 17.9 seconds and has a top speed of 76mph.
It has Jaeger instruments, green leather seats and a chocolate coloured folding roof.
The car was sold on eBay by German dealer Fahrwerk Classics after a £170,000 restoration.
The Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupi was one of the most advanced cars of its day.
Historic: The motor boasts a 2.5-litre engine, does 0-60mph in 17.9 seconds and has a top speed of 76mph
Sale: The car was sold on eBay by German dealer Fahrwerk Classics
When most drivers were still laboriously double-declutching, the owner of a DB18 simply pre-selected the gear he wanted, then dabbed the ‘change pedal’ to enact the shift.
Its elegant system was invented by World War I hero Major WG Wilson, co-inventor of the tank.
The car’s owners have come from England, Germany, the USA and have even included an Iranian prince.
It was sold by the German dealer after its owner, who intended selling it at an Historics auction at Brooklands Museum in Surrey, died unexpectedly.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2317311/Classic-car-driven-Sir-Winston-Churchill-World-War-Two-sells-Germany-400-000-online-auction.html#ixzz2ShhvVpno
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