Introduced in 1937, the Daimler EL24 featured a 10ft 4in wheelbase and more interior space than many rivals thanks to the forward positioning of its 3.3-litre straight-six OHV engine.

Based around a cruciform-braced, box-section chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension, Luvax shock absorbers and Dewandre servo-assisted Girling drum brakes, the newcomer was available with a choice of open and closed coachwork some of which was crafted in-house, but most six-light Limousines were bodied by Charlesworth.

The four-speed pre-selector gearbox was allied to the marque’s fluid flywheel and employed a direct drive top gear.

It is believed that only 710 examples were made up until 1940.

First registered on the 19 th February 1940, chassis 48053 is understood to retain its original registration number ‘EWK 959’ which denotes that it was first delivered to the Coventry area.

Little is known about its early history, but having survived its birth and early years during the depths ...