1927 Daimler 45 HP Salon Cabriolet by Barker
- Engine
- Sleeve-valve inline-six, 45 HP
A bespoke 1920s Daimler 45 HP sleeve-valve six-cylinder chassis bodied by Barker & Company of London as a salon cabriolet for the Maharaja of Rewa, one of the more colourful rulers of British India. The coachwork, constructed over a wooden frame in German silver, incorporated dual window sets including smoked 'purdah' glass, a disappearing roof, running-board rattan seats, and an instrument panel of unusual complexity. Documented in Vanity Fair in 1927 and photographed for Time-Life and reportedly for National Geographic, the car was genuinely used for tiger hunting and remained in Rewa until the early 1970s before a largely cosmetic restoration.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$880,000
- 1927 → 1942Factory deliveryMaharaja Gulab Singh of Rewafull documentation
Commissioned the bespoke coachwork from Barker and took delivery of the completed car around 1927; used it for tiger hunting and ceremonial purposes until his exile and deposition following allegations of serious misconduct.
- 1942 →Acquisition unknownSuccessor ruler of Rewa statepartial documentation
Following the Maharaja's removal from power, the car remained in the Rewa region and was initially operated by his successor, then reportedly employed in religious ceremonies into the early 1970s.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A primarily cosmetic and sympathetic restoration was carried out at some point, preserving many original surfaces and finishes. The bodywork showed minimal evidence of serious neglect or structural mistreatment, and period-correct Dunlop tyres were fitted.
Photographic evidence from the 1960s suggests the car did not fall into serious disrepair before restoration; surviving original finish in various areas supports the characterisation of the work as light rather than comprehensive.
- —Service
The car was recently tested and found to start and run without difficulty, though further servicing was recommended before any extended road use.
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