Daimler DS420

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Daimler DS420<tr><td colspan=2></tr>

Manufacturer:

Daimler Motor Company<tr><th>Production:<td>1968–1992 4116 produced</tr><tr><th>Predecessor:<td>Daimler DR450</tr><tr><th>Class:<td>Executive</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>4235cc DOHC Jaguar straight six</tr><tr><th>Wheelbase:<td>358 cm (141 in)</tr><tr><th>Length:<td>574 cm (226 inches)</tr><tr><th>Width:<td>197 cm (77.56 inches)</tr><tr><th>Height:<td>161 cm (63.39 inches)</tr><tr><th>Curb weight:<td>2133 kg (4702 pounds)</tr>

The Daimler DS420, popularly known as the Daimler Limousine, dates back to 1968. It was based on the floorplan of Jaguar's 420G flagship, but with an extra 20in (51cm) let into the wheelbase. The passenger sat on a bench-seat behind the glass division, in opulent comfort - the DS420's rear seat spanning over 6 feet (1.83m) in width.

The top speed available from this 245 bhp, three speed automatic, independently suspended, four wheel disc braked Daimler limousine was 110mph (176km/h)

The Daimler DS420 was bought in enthusiastic quantities by the funeral trade as mourners' cars or hearses. Countless local authorities and embassies bought the cars too, in Hong Kong the Regent Hotel still runs a fleet of 22 cars. Even Queen Elizabeth II is aDaimler Limousine owner, a was the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother - a reminder of the royal patronage that Daimler lost to Rolls Royce in the early 1950's.

Originally built at the Vanden Plas works in London, production moved to Jaguar in Coventry in 1979, where it continued until 1992. Trim levels varied from the base model with wind up windows to a mobile boardroom built for Jaguar Boss John Egan in 1984, complete with TV, Fax Machine and Cocktail Cabinet and a computer. Always hand-made the DS420 had a fascia like no other 1960s Jaguar, remaining faithful for many years to the old fashioned steering column, to the selector for the automatic gearbox, and to the pencil-thin steering wheel.

Undercutting its near rival the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, by 50% or more, this big Daimler was always fine value. With its Le Mans winning Jaguar engine, the last car to use it, the Daimler DS420 Limousine was no sluggard either, it could very easily reach 110mph flat out, although most examples never went abover 30mph.

Last of the proper carriage-trade limousines, the DS420 was a car with presence and authority. Its like will not be seen again.

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