Daimler DS420 Limousine

Daimler DS420 - factory photo
When I first saw a photo similar to the one above, I was tempted to make this a "What Were They Thinking?" post.

On reflection, I'm still tempted, but decided not to pull that trigger.  That's because the Daimler DS420 Limousine came from an aristocratic English brand that continued its heritage of supplying cars to British and other royalty, governments, and various upper-crust species.  So the DS420 makes sense in those contexts, even though it's not an attractive automobile.

DS420s were marketed 1968-1992, and 4,141 limousines and 903 chassis (for later attachment of custom bodies) were made, a total of 5,044, or a bit more than 200 cars per year, on average.

They were large, having a wheelbase of 141.0 inches (3581 mm).  And luxurious, as some images below will show.

The DS420 was launched after Daimler was purchased by Jaguar (some background on the Daimler Motors firm is here).  Some Jaguar components were used, but its body design was unique, unlike Daimlers that usually were little more than Jaguars with Daimler grilles.  So to some extent, the DS420 has been considered the last of the real Daimlers.

Gallery

1990 Daimler DS420 - car-for-sale photos
An interesting overhead view featuring the tapered hood and Daimler grille.

From this angle we see that the DS420's rear is an elongated English "Razor Edge" design.  Classical versions were shorter, more upright.  Also note the subtle two-toning on this car.

1985 Daimler DS420 Limousine - photos via Park Ward Motors (Australia)
Now for a walkaround.  Again, the traditional Daimler grille with its fluting on the upper frame.

Each end of the car has its interesting features, but the long middle section is quite bland aside from the chrome window framing.

The fenderline and beltline fall off towards the rear, a British styling feature from years past, but out of date even for England in the late 1960s.

I think this is the most interesting aspect of the design.  Note the concave side sculpting contrasted by the convex trunk shape.

A plain rear end, but the upper license plate frame carries over the grille motif, a cute touch.

The trunk seems fairly small, though perhaps the size of the rest of the car makes that seem so.  On the other hand, how much trunk space do luxury limousines require?

The passenger compartment greenhouse is quite tall compared to the lower body, part of a general styling trend in those days.

The headlight frames seem a little droopy.

The cockpit is very nice, very English.  Better than typical historical chauffeur territory.

The passenger zone.  Jump seats are folded next to the chauffeur partition.

Photo via Ascot Limousine Services
View of a tricked-out interior of a DS420 used for special occasion rental.