Lot details
Registration No: B55 AUC
Chassis No: SADDWATL3AC200549
Mot Expiry: March 2013

Daimler's DS420 was produced between 1968 and 1992 and was effectively the replacement for the Majestic Major-based DR450 and the ubiquitous Austin Princess. An imposing-looking executive limousine it served as an official state car in many countries - not least for the House of Windsor. It also found favour with numerous embassies, local authorities, funeral parlours and up-market hotels (eg the Inter-Continental in Hong Kong alone is said to have purchased 22 DS420s over the years). It was based on a lengthened version of the Jaguar 420G platform and powered by a 4.2-litre, 245bhp derivative of the DOHC straight-six race-proved XK engine. Notable roles for examples of the model have ranged from serving as the hearse and mourning limousine at Princess Diana's funeral and providing transport to Heathrow Airport for Commander Bond and Moneypenny in the 1997 film Tomorrow Never Dies. A total of some 4,116 DS420s were produced.

The right-hand drive DS420 being sold was first registered on August 29th 1984 to a Sheik (who would later become a prominent member of his country's government), care of the Qatar Embassy, Chesham Place, London. It is finished in a suitably stately shade of Dark Grey and has a Light Grey leather interior. It comes complete with 1984 bill of sale for £30,000 and a letter from Jaguar that rather unfortunately refers to The State Of Batar rather Qatar! Up until 1998 it was regularly serviced by nearby H. R. Owen. There are also a couple of service stamps in the name of R.A. Creamer & Son for 2004 and 2005, since when the Daimler would appear to have had very little use. In apparently very good overall condition, 'B55 AUC' is now being sold complete with an MOT valid into March of next year. A smart limousine seemingly ready to provide many years' service.