When classic cars go up for auction it’s always a big deal, especially when they are of the British variety. Two British classics, a 1929 Daimler 20/70 Type M Saloon and 1950 Jowett Javelin, are going to be auctioned at the Thomas Watson Fine Art Sale on August 21st. The event is taking place in Darlington and there will be several other artistic pieces on display.
The cars were being looked after by the late Harry Clark, an enthusiast from Barnard Castle. Both cars come with handbooks and current V5C registration forms. Daimler has often been associated with excellent engineering, with the company receiving a Royal Warrant to provide cars to the British monarchy in 1902. This continued into the 1950s.
Launched in 1926, the 20/70 became one of Daimler’s most popular vehicles, becoming the royal car of King George V. It stayed in production until 1930 and the Daimler that’s appearing at the auction is estimated to sell for £15,000 to £20,000. Clark bought it in 1978 and in 2011 he took it to a restoration specialist. The body was repainted to feature black and royal blue, while new tyres and a fabric roof were added.
Director of the auction David Elstob said “this lovely car is a very good example of the Daimler 20/70 Type M Saloon and would grace any small or large classic car collection. It certainly lives up to the high expectations of style and comfort for which the brand is known and has a dignity and stateliness that sets it apart from other makes.”
The Jowett Javelin gained a similar level of attention when it was launched in 1947. It had innovative features such as an aerodynamic body, pressed steel chassis and powerful 1486 cc flat four overhead engine. It reached a top speed of 80 mph, winning several rallies, such as the 1949 Monte Carlo Rally. In 1952, a Javelin won the International RAC Rally. Over a six year period 23,000 Javelins were produced. The car being auctioned is estimated to go for £4000 to £8000.
To see the full list of cars that are being auctioned, be sure to check out the Thomas Watson catalogue
