Daimler DE-36
The 147-inch wheelbase Daimler DE-36 chassis was powered by a 150hp straight-eight displacing 5460cc (5.4L). The large, silky smooth engine was coupled to a Daimler Fluid Flywheel transmission, controlled by a pre-selector mechanism. Factory documents indicate as many as 216 DE-36 chassis were built, with the final units being dispatched in 1953.
As would be expected, the lengthy DE-36 chassis were most often fitted with heavy, formal limousine coachwork. Delightful exceptions to the rule were the six magnificent DE-36 drop-head coupes created by Hooper’s in the style of Sir Bernard’s prototypical 1948 show car. Although delivered in various colors, all of the Hooper DE-36 drop-heads are popularly known today as Green Goddesses.
Story by 2010 Bonhams 1793 Ltd.
1948 Daimler DE-36 Gallery
See full 1948 Daimler DE-36 Gallery here
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1946 – 1953 |
| released at | 1948 Earl’s Court Motor Show |
| built at | Coventry, England |
| production | 216 |
| engine | Inline-8 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| displacement | 5460 cc / 333.19 in³ |
| power | 111.9 kw / 150 bhp |
| specific output | 27.47 bhp per litre |
| transmission | Preselector |
Auction Sales History
1948 Daimler DE-36 ‘Green Goddess’ Hooper Drop-Head Coupe 52802 – sold for $502,000
This marvelous and immense automobile is the third of just seven Daimler DE-36 Hooper-bodied ‘Green Goddess’ drop-head coupes built between 1948 and 1953. More than 20 feet long and just under 80 inches wide, the super-sized drop-top weighs more than three tons. Beautifully streamlined and sumptuously appointed, the Daimler DE 36 drop-head ranks, both in size and prestige, among the most prominent automobiles ever constructed. Auction Source: Bonhams 2010 Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia
