1983 Daimler DS 420 Sedan

"The Daimler DS420, popularly known as the Daimler Limousine, began production in 1968, replacing the DR450 which had been based on the Majestic Major. Unlike its predecessor, it had no Daimler Motor Company engineering, but it was entirely a Jaguar product, utilizing the 4.2 liter version of the Jaguar XK straight-six engine. It also replaced the Vanden Plas 4.0 liter Princess Limousine, and was initially produced at the Vanden Plas works in Kingsbury, North London. Based upon the floorplan of Jaguar's 420G flagship, the DS420 was considerably larger with a wheelbase extended an extra 21 inches. The frontal styling was similar to the original Daimler Sovereign, with the Jaguar four-headlight treatment first seen on the Mark X mated to a Daimler radiator grille bearing the traditional fluting. 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 the same as 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 top speed available from a stock DS420 with three-speed automatic, independently suspended, four-wheel disc braked Daimler limousine was 110 mph. Undercutting the Phantom VI in price by 50% or more, the big Daimler was considered to be a fine vehicle for the cost with its Le Mans winning Jaguar engine and bespoke construction. The British Royal Mews is 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 three DS420 models over the years (all registered NLT1 or NLT2), including one of the last three models to be produced in. All of these 'royal cars' featured certain special features including cloth seats, removal of chrome around the doors, blue lights, and a mount on the roof for the Queen Mother's standard and heraldic shield. These were a reminder of the royal patronage that Daimler lost to Rolls-Royce in the early 1950s. The Daimler limousines were handbuilt by 13 man teams in the Jaguar factory from 1968-1992 at a rate of about 80 units per year. They cost as much as three Jaguar sedans when new and, in addition to royal family members, were primarily used by members of parliament and other heads of state. The king of Denmark still has two in their stables. This particular offering was a privately owned automobile in England and is said to have been occupied by many famous people. It was retired from the steward and brought to the United States in 2006 after being gone through in the UK. This DS420 has every available option; front and rear climate control, power center glass division window, fold down jump seats, power windows and door locks, four-wheel disc brakes, and of course is fitted with Jaguar's tried and true 4.2 liter six-cylinder engine with GM turbo 400 automatic transmission. Finished in regal black and gold with supple black upholstery, this limousine is sheer elegance. It is very comfortable, very classy, and very dependable with only 75,000 miles known to have traversed from new."