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1948 36hp Daimler landaulette as used in the 1954 Royal Tour of Australia
Object type
Motor cars
Object number
2009.0017.0001
Description
A black and dark blue car with a partially soft top. The fabric part of the roof of the car that can be folded back is very fragile and torn. The car has a black and white number plate on the rear that reads 'SA 20.301'. The car has three windows along each side. There is a bench seat in the front and back as well as two seats that fold away in the middle. The front bench seat is leather whilst the back is fabric. The monograph 'D' appears on the hub caps and there is wooden detailing inside the car. The front of the car has two large and two small head lamps and a place on each side for spare tyres. Only the left side currently has a spare tyre.
Collection name
John Harvey collection
This Daimler DE 36 landaulette came to the attention of National Museum of Australia curators during research into transport used for the Royal Tour of Australia in 1954. The Museum acquired the car from a private collector in South Australia in August 2009. This impressive four-ton vehicle is coachbuilt by Hooper and Co. on a Daimler 'straight eight' chassis. At almost 6 metres long, it is finished in black with Royal blue side panels and red pin-striping. Luxurious interior fittings include cream cord and blue leather upholstery, a walnut dash, silk window blinds and engraved glass light fittings.
Primarily an iconic reminder of the Royal Tour, this vehicle has strong relevance to broad areas of Australian history and can be used to address the themes of royal transport, the monarchy in Australia and innovation in the motor industry. The vehicle's subsequent ownership ably illustrates other aspects of history, such as Daimler's fall from favour and the lasting impact of the Royal Tour on a generation of Australians. This acquisition is representative of a remarkable small number of vehicles to be fabricated for the Royal Tour and as such is extremely rare.
Production placeEngland, United Kingdom
Production date
1947 - 1948
Associated person/organisation
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Associated person/organisation
Sir Robert A. George
Associated person/organisation
William McKell
Associated date
1954
Materials
Metal - non specific, Textile - non specific, Glass
Dimensions
Length: 5700mm
Width: 1870mm
Height: 1960mm