1971 Daimler Limousine

An automobile used by a beloved member of the British royal family and other royalty, produced for 24 years, and which may have inspired one of the most controversial American automobile designs of the past several decades should be well known to car enthusiasts. Nevertheless, the Daimler DS420 Limousine appears to have slipped away from popular memory, seen and referenced by millions but with few remembering it specifically.

In house here at Classic Auto Mall we have been graced by royalty taking form in a 1971 Daimler Limousine. Though this one may never have had royalty or even celebrity dignifying its luxurious confines, it sure looks all the part. Its long gracious lines, and beautifully but simply appointed interior, this car is most definitely putting on the Ritz.

Exterior
With its Jaguar-esque 4 round light setup which flanks a centrally mounted grille and radiator surround, and framing by a lower thin front bumper, one can see the influences of the two companies (Daimler and Jaguar) coming together in the design of this car. It is bathed in white paint with steel panels showing some minor rust spots and scratches, but still retaining its shine. The chrome accoutrements have a nice patina and dulling and are showing signs of some early dimpling. This is true for the front and the rear of this limousine. The driver's door up front is the same width as the rear passengers, but due to the hinging into the front quarter panel, the side glass area is markedly less than the rear passengers. The rear glass has been tinted and has an extra window and triangular vent window which starts to follow the downward swooping curve of the trunk area. A very graceful trim spear runs through the door handles and helps frame the rear downward swoop of the body. In back, we note a large bulbous trunk another thin bumper below and dual exhaust tips hanging below. 15-inch wheels are all around with standard hubcaps.

Interior
2 separate compartments basically make up the interior. Up front we note the drivers compartment which is a right-hand drive setup. A large black bench stretches from door to door and is very nicely preserved. A burl veneer dash also stretches the width of this car, and contains numerous gauges inserted, temperature controls, and a litany of toggles. The burl has lost some of its lacquer and shows some wear. Separating the two areas of this car is a burl covered partition with a sliding plastic window for extra privacy. In this space we note another luxurious black bench with side arms that contain essential controls and a full cigarette/cigar lighting and ashtray capabilities. Next to the partition are dual footrests that can become extras jump seats if needed. Black clean carpet floods all the floors and a fuzzy broadcloth in off white makes up the headliner.

Drivetrain
With the bonnet up, we can see the nicely preserved inline 6-cylinder DOHC engine. This has 2 SU carburetors, and a 3-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission.

Undercarriage
Showing some surface rust showing, and plenty of tar and pitch applied on some of the frame and rocker panels, we can only surmise what is under this material. Floorpans are sturdy, independent coil spring suspension is all around and power disc brakes for the stopping power.

Drive-Ability
I was chauffeured for this ride, so I spent my time in the "royals" seat. The driver reported the car started right up, and the heat was on when I arrived. We were off to the test track and I was joined by our head car specialist Larry, who adores these limo driver cars. The acceleration was reported as spirited, the ride was cloud like, and our driver could not hear us when the sliding window was closed. Road noise in back was very limited, and the rear bench was comfortable. Unfortunately, we had no Champagne to accent our intense discussion, but the experience was very positive overall.

A few dents and dings, and faults on the exterior, a patina interior with nice seating and good carpeting. This car runs well and cruises like a car made for those deemed more important to regular society. Imagine the look on the UBER passenger's face when you pull up...now that is business exposure you can take to the bank!