I just learned about the Docker Daimlers. When these cars were made, both Daimler and the coachbuilder Hooper were owned by BSA, the motorcycle and arms manufacturer (BSA stands for Birmingham Small Arms). The director of BSA was the millionaire Sir Bernard Docker. In 1948, he commissioned the Green Goddess drophead coupé on the DE 36 chassis which utilized the Daimler straight eight engine. It was shown at the 1948 Earl's Court Motorshow where it was a sensation. Twelve more cars were built in the Green Goddess style, but while they are referred to as Green Goddess Daimlers, there is only one car that is the actual Green Goddess.
1948 Daimler DE 36 Green Goddess drophead coupé by Hooper
1949 Daimler DE 36 Green Goddess Hooper drophead coupé
In 1949, Sir Bernard marred twice-widowed socialite Norah Turner. He made her a director of Hooper, hoping to spice up the rather staid Daimler image. Again using the DE 36 chassis, Lady Docker commissioned a limousine for the 1951 Earl's Court show known variously as the Gold Car, Gold Daimler and Golden Daimler. The body is covered in 7000 hand-painted gold stars.
1951 Daimler DE 36 Gold Car
For 1952, she commissioned the Blue Clover Coupé.
1952 Daimler DE 36 Blue Clover Coupé by Hooper
Keeping to the coupé theme, the Silver Flash was built for the 1953 show. It was built on the smaller 3-liter six-cylinder Regency chassis as the DE was no longer in production. Last seen at an auction in the 1980s, this is the only Docker Daimler whose current whereabouts are unknown.
1953 Daimler Silver Flash Coupé by Hooper
Another limousine, this time on the DF400 chassis.
1954 Daimler DF400 Stardust limousine by Hooper
The final Docker Daimler is this gorgeous Golden Zebra. Like every Docker Daimler before, it was lavish. The dashboard was made of ivory. All the brightwork on the car was gold plated, including a gold zebra hood ornament. The interior was covered in genuine zebra hide. It was a five-seater with three-across in the front and two in the back, ensuring everyone had an unobstructed view forward.
1955 Daimler DK400 coupé by Hooper
The lavishness of the Dockers was too much for staid BSA, so Sir Bernard was voted out of his position, and all the Docker Daimlers were stripped of their non-standard parts and sold for pennies on the pound. Fortunately, they have all survived (at least I presume the Silver Flash still survives somewhere) and been restored.
Such a shame Monteverdi has been defunct since 1984. 
