1897 Daimler

I've taken quite a lot of photographs over the years at the Lancashire Automobile Club's annual Manchester to Blackpool Veteran and Vintage Car Runs, and this is the first photograph that I took at the very first Run in 1963 which I watched at the Broad Street/Cross Lane roundabout in Salford.

It's the 1897 Daimler of Denis G. Flather and the programme of the event says that he gave this information about the car:

'1 1897 Daimler

This is the oldest British car registered with the V.C.C. and in running order. She competed in the first R.A.C. Anniversary run to Brighton in 1897 and got there. At Royal request in 1897 she was sent to Warwick Castle for a demonstration before H.R.H. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). So successful was this that The P.O.W. ordered one which was delivered into the Royal household in 1898. From this the Daimler became known as the Royal Car and gave the fillip that was required to horseless carriage production. She is rated as 4½ h.p., develops 6 b.h.p. at 700 revs., 2 cylinders with atmospheric Inlet Valves.

In 1900 Daimlers converted her from hot tube ignition to trembler coil which she wears today and from tiller steering to wheel. Five years ago I converted her back to tiller steering from original drawings. Four speeds forward and reverse! Maximum speed 24 m.p.h. (world speed record in 1897, 39 m.p.h.) maximum in first 2 m.p.h., 17 m.p.g. and weighs 21 cwt empty! Built originally for Col. Mulliner of Northampton (she has the first Mulliner body ever built).

I have owned her for 11 years. She has run in the last 11 London - Brightons and arrived each year on time. We toured Scotland 4 years ago and during the World Fair at Brussels I drove her there, some 240 miles with 4 up and out of 6 competing nations and 183 Competitors she won the award for the oldest car arriving on time.'