Daimler Automobiles

Gottlieb Daimler was a German engineer who, in the late 1800s, had created quite a sophisticated motor. Initial success was found in powering rail cars. It was through this process that he met Fredrick Simms, an Englishman and engineer. The two became friends and Simms purchased the patent to manufacture the engine in England.

In 1896 H. J. Lawson got the idea to go into the automobile business. He set up shop in Coventry, England, made a deal with Simms for the use of the engine and bought the rights to use the name Daimler. In 1902 it won the right to manufacture cars for the British Monarch (a position the firm held until the 1950s saw Rolls Royce earn that right).

The Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) had, in addition to manufacturing weapons, developed some military vehicles and even a few BSA branded automobiles. They saw the possibilities of moving more deeply into the car business and managed a deal to merge with Daimler. BSA would also see quite a profit from manufacturing bicycles and motorcycles.

Through World War I and the 1920s, Daimler focused mostly on manufacturing military vehicles though there were some civilian cars being made. In 1930 Daimler expanded its reach when they obtained the Lancaster Motor Company. Initially the two lines were kept separate but by mid-decade they were sharing components and the Lancaster badge began to disappear.

Following World War II the company still manufactured regular upper tier cars, more of their emphasis was turned toward limousines and even taxis (they had purchased the Carbodies firm) as well as the successful BSA motorcycles.Their double decker buses were renowned throughout England.

In 1960 Daimler was purchased by Jaguar who was keen on using their engines. Six years later Jaguar was taken over by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and the following year Daimler exports to the United States were stopped and this pretty much meant that, at least state side, the Daimler name would all but be forgotten. The two cars shown here are a 1961 and a 1962 SP 250.