Daimler Conquest

ENGINE 2433cc/6-cyl/OHV POWER 75bhp@4000rpm TORQUE 124lb ft@2000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 81mph 0-60MPH 20.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 15-22mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 3502 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

With plenty of torque on offer, acceleration from the Daimler’s straight-six is strong and the power delivery free from any flat spots. The preselector gearbox is smooth and moves easily up and down its ratios. Steering is low-geared but not onerous in operation and as precise as you can reasonably expect. The same can be said of the brakes, which pull the car up smartly without darting to either side. It rides well, too; there’s plenty of bounce in the springs, though nothing that suggests worn suspension.

BODYWORK CHECK

What appears to be original two-tone paint looks largely good, though it has dulled in a few places, including on the front wings. Areas such as where the offside rear wing meets the end of the boot lid have paint chips, likewise the edges of both rear doors where they meet the B-pillars. The silver coachline is unbroken and there’s no pitting to the fluted grille or front bumper, though the quarterlights and door handles show greater evidence of ageing. All the panels are dentfree and evenly gapped and there’s no corrosion evident.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

There’s plenty of creasing to the leather seats and the dye is wearing away in several places, but they remain comfy. The fabric (rather than rubber) door seals are threadbare in places and the base of the headlining has lifted in several places near the rear screen. The carpets are immaculate and the wooden dashboard and door cappings undamaged, though they are in need of fresh varnish. The steering wheel too is free from cracks and crazing, too.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay is presentable and free from leaks and while the bright red metal pipework won’t please purists, the bulkhead and inner wings appear to be free from corrosion. The ignition coil and HT leads look recent and the engine has been converted to negative earth. The V5 shows five former keepers. History is largely limited to work done over the past ten years, with numerous invoices from Kingsdown Garages in Oxfordshire, including one for fitting a reconditioned radiator. More than £650 was spent on overhauling the suspension in 2018, too.

THE CCW VIEW

This particular Conquest drives beautifully and the preselector gearbox, which is far more forgiving than others we’ve encountered, takes little time to adjust to. There are a couple of areas that require attention here, though none that would embarrass its next owner at shows. Anyone considering using this Daimler for anything more strenuous than occasional cruises should probably fit front lap belts at the very least, however.