One of the largest and rarest convertibles ever built, the 1949 Daimler DE-36 “Green Goddess” Hooper Drop-Head Coupe, will be offered by Bonhams auction house at their world-famous Quail Lodge sale in August.
Formerly part of the famed Harrah Collection, this Daimler – no. 52802 – was subsequently purchased by the late Wes Lematta and his wife Nancy, who then donated it to the Le May Museum where it has been on exhibit since 2007. Meticulously restored to the highest standard in deep two-tone burgundy with rich white leather interior, the car was a class winner at the 1994 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Only seven of these immense and beautifully streamlined convertibles were ever constructed. (An eighth body was built later as a replacement for the prototype’s body.) With coachwork by Hooper, the sweeping fender lines, unusual faired-in headlamps with clear covers, and tapering chrome body-side moldings distinguish the massive car’s styling whose sumptuously appointed leather interior provides roomy accommodation for five. The 147-inch wheelbase drop-top is more than 20 feet long, nearly 80 inches wide, and weighs in at nearly three tons. The car is powered by a large straight-8 engine and has a semi-automatic fluid flywheel transmission.
Origin of Green Goddess
The original Daimler Green Goddess debuted as a show car at the 1948 Earl’s Court British Motor Show in London and was the most expensive car on display. The result of a joint collaboration between Sir Bernard Docker, chairman at the time of Daimler’s parent company, BSA, and designers at Daimler, the “Green Goddess” appellation came from the car’s special jade green paintwork. Even though the six following replicas of this majestic Daimler were finished in varying colors, the “Green Goddess” designation is applied to any DE-36 bodied in the original show car’s distinctive style.
The Dockers, particularly Sir Bernard’s wife, Lady Norah, caused a sensation and sometimes scandal wherever they went. They were beloved by the press and paparazzi and known for indulgence in all forms, from fur coats and over-the-top champagne receptions to specially-customized Daimlers fitted with exotic materials like ivory and crocodile, lizard and zebra skins, even gold plating.
After the Earl’s Court Show, the Green Goddess was handed over to Sir Bernard, a man who liked his toys large. He owned the biggest privately owned yacht in England and now his personal Daimler would ensure him similar dominance on the road. It was this car, incidentally, that Bonhams had the privilege to represent at last year’s Quail Lodge auction.
Daimler’s Royal History: Britain’s First Car
Daimler was the first car to be manufactured in England. Introduced in 1897 the Daimler nameplate paid tribute to the German engine used in the very earliest examples but the British and German Daimler (now Daimler-Benz) concerns have always been separate entities. An on-going association with the British Royal Family began when the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) selected a Daimler for his first automobile in 1898 and shortly thereafter appointed the company the official motorcar of the British monarchy.
With most of the few surviving Green Goddess Daimlers already securely ensconced in permanent museum collections, the opportunity to acquire one of these legendary convertible coupes is an extremely uncommon occurrence. Bonhams automotive specialists predict this beautifully restored gem to fetch as much as $800,000.
Auction Details
For more information about Bonhams Auction of Exceptional Motorcars & Automobilia, to be held August 12-13 at Quail Lodge in Carmel, California, visit www.bonhams.com/quail
