The Daimler Limousine DS420 is used extensively as the official state car in several countries, including the British, Danish and Swedish Royal households. Production began in 1968 replacing the DR450 which had been based on the Majestic Major. Unlike its predecessor, it had no Daimler engineering but was entirely a Jaguar product utilising the 4.2 litre version of the Jaguar XK straight-six engine. The passengers sat on a bench-seat behind the glass division in opulent comfort, the DS420's rear seat spanning over six feet in width. The dimensions of the vehicle are very similar to those of the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI with which the Limousine was designed to compete, although the Daimler significantly undercut the Rolls-Royce on price. The big Daimler was considered to be a fine vehicle for the cost with its Le Mans-winning Jaguar engine - the last car to use it - and bespoke construction. The British Royal Mews is now in possession of three Daimler DS420s available for Royal use on state occasions and for visiting dignitaries. The late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother had four DS420 models over the years (all registered NLT1 or NLT2), including one of the last three models to be produced in 1992, with the other two going to Queen Elizabeth II although rarely used, and the other retained by Jaguar for use in Coventry, now in the possession of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.

Presented in white, this Daimler was once in the employ of a large chauffeur company and has more recently been owned by our vendor as part of a large private collection. Although this example would benefit from restoration, once finished it would become a stately and practical limousine with the optional two occasional seats perfect for special occasions or weddings. This DS420 is supplied with a UK VC5 registration document.

Genre

Restoration Project