This Slider picture comes from a very rare magazine: Hunting and Racing for May 1935. It appeared on a full page of images about the Royal Daimlers, and shows five brand new Daimlers supplied to King George V and Queen Mary in April 1931.
These are all ‘Double-Sixes’ –12-cylinder sleeve-valve cars with limousine bodies by Hooper & Co. Although it is very difficult to detect the differences, we know from Brian Smith’s excellent 1976 book Royal Daimlers that two of them are the smaller 30/40 model with 5,296 cc engines and three are the magnificent 40-50 model with 6,511 cc – truly the ultimate in Vintage Daimlers. All were equipped with pre-selector transmission with fluid flywheel. All three 40-50 models had the longest available wheelbase, at 13 feet 1 inch, and were painted in the Royal colours with black wings and valances. They were upholstered throughout in blue Vaumol leather and the interior fittings were of silver and ivory. A secondary speedometer and mileage recorder was provided for passengers, set in a polished mahogany cabinet backing on to the division, with a clock above. Definitely a set of cars fit for a King!.
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