Vehicle Description
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!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
