Description

1992 Daimler DS420 Limousine

No Reserve

Extensively serviced; only one previously recorded keeper; recenlty used as part of a display


Introduced as a direct replacement for the Daimler Majestic Major in 1968, the DS420 also superseded the 4-litre Vanden Plas Austin Princess and was to remain in production virtually unchanged until 1992. It was the last vehicle to use the fabulous Jaguar straight-six XK engine. By the time of its demise, over 4,100 had been produced, initially at the Vanden Plas works in North London, with production moving to the Jaguar plant at Coventry in 1979. Favourites of the British and Danish Royal families, as well as official State cars the world over, they also found favour as funeral and wedding transport and offered good reliable service for half the price of a Phantom VI Rolls Royce.
This example is one of the last, first being registered in April 1992 and although we assume it has almost always been involved in the funeral business, there are no details known about its early life. It was certainly employed by Sussex funeral directors, H.D.Tribe Ltd from 1996 until fairly recently when our vendor acquired it.
Showing 137,000 miles now, it has a comprehensive history of MOTs, going back to when 58,000 miles were showing. As one would expect, it has been maintained regularly during this period and although no official service history is included, a raft of invoices show consistent care and attention, which includes welding to the floor, sills and crossmember followed by suspension replacement in 2012/13. In 2014, the engine was replaced with a second hand unit and the most recent brake overhaul happened in 2020. The most recent MOT was a pass and was conducted in October last year. A few advisories should be noted, including corrosion to the near side jacking point and also on the offside sill, which may need some attention soon.
Running and driving when delivered to us and manoeuvred for our photographs (although may need some fresh fuel), J997 MLR presents well apart from the aforementioned corrosion and the obligatory Daimler patches to the paintwork. There is surely either a possibility to be used professionally again, fill her up with children for the school run or perhaps pop some curtains in it and tour the UK this summer?


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