1982 Daimler DS 420 Trivia

Daimler DS420 Limousine

Production of the Daimler DS420 Limousine began in 1968 as a replacement for the DR450 model (which was based on the Majestic Major range of Daimlers and a particularly stylish car). The new model was totally Jaguar engineered and used the 4.2 litre version of the XK120 series engine. The DS420 also replaced the Vanden Plas Princess range of limousines and early examples were produced at the Vanden Plas works in Kingsbury, the site occupied in 1924 by Vanden Plas {England} 1923 Ltd.

Daimler, Jaguar, Vanden Plas and Austin – who supplied the chassis and running gear for the Princess were by now of course all under the ill fated British Leyland group.

Floorpan of the DS420 is an extended version of the Jaguars top of the line 420G saloon.

Production moved from Kingsbury to the Jaguar plant in Coventry in 1972 and production of the model continued with various facelifts and technical improvements until 1992 and was the last Jaguar derivative to utilise the XK engine.

This model was very much a bespoke vehicle in as much that just about everything could be ordered as an option dependant on the clients requirements and were always hand-built. They retained the fascia and dashboard contemporary to the Jaguar Mark X and 420G in varnished and lacquered wood right to the end of production.

In addition to completed Limousines the Coventry factory also offered part bodies to independent coach builders to allow them to construct hearses many of which carried beautiful coachwork and are still in use today.