Notifications
Clear all
Forum 43
9
Posts
5
Users
52
Likes
1,070
Views
Topic starter
30/03/2022 10:32 am
This particular DS420 was originally supplied to Her Majesty the Queen Mother, and while in her ownership it was registered NLT 1, one of several NLT numbers found on cars owned by The Queen Mother. This car, finished in the traditional Royal colours of black over claret.
When Jaguar merged with the British Motor Corporation in 1966, both companies manufactured limousine models, the ageing Daimler Majestic Major and the Vanden Plas Princess 4 litre. It was decided to replace both of these older models with a single new limousine, which would bear the Daimler name and would be based on Jaguar components, but which would be assembled in the Vanden Plas factory at Kingsbury in London.
The result was the DS420 which was launched in 1968 and co-incidentally became the first new model of the newly-merged British Leyland company. It was based on an extended floorpan from the Jaguar 420G, which made the DS420 the biggest ever British car with unitary body construction. The engine was the well-known Jaguar XK in 4.2 litre form, with an automatic gearbox as standard. The semi-razor-edged style of the body was probably inspired by some of the classic Hooper bodies on Daimler chassis.
The basic bodyshell was supplied by Motor Panels in Coventry and mechanical components were fitted by Jaguar at Browns Lane, before the limousines were sent to Vanden Plas for final assembly and trim. When the Vanden Plas factory closed in 1979, final assembly and trim moved back to a special Limousine Shop in the Jaguar factory at Browns Lane.
Scale model, made of metal /Die-cast/ in 1:43 scale manufactured by Norev for ATLAS Models. Presidential cars series.
30/03/2022 12:08 pm
I wonder if it's the same basic casting as the Oxford model? The Oxford seems to have more finess in its appearance, especially the wheels.
This post was modified 2 years ago by Harv Goranson
30/03/2022 1:42 pm
Good post, David. I like this background information, and your fine photography really shows off the model. Well done!
Karl Schnelle and Karl Schnelle reacted
30/03/2022 6:52 pm
Jaguar USA had a trial marketing effort that went nowhere with these DS420s. They built two in full US safety and emission spec circa 1985 and one was based at my office. I was the only staff person who was not embarrassed to drive it, but I liked it. It was always popular at the British car shows I took it to.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
30/03/2022 7:00 pm
Wow1 I can't imagine being embarrassed to drive such a magnificent car.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
31/03/2022 7:15 am
Looks great to me! Maybe it was just overwhelming? 
David H
31/03/2022 11:13 am
For a funny story about one of my experiences with the car pictured here's a link.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
31/03/2022 12:13 pm
Good story,John, and I really like the additional pictures. Well done!
Karl Schnelle and Karl Schnelle reacted
Topic starter
31/03/2022 2:39 pm
As a Jaguar collector and the grandson of an avid Daimler owner, I have quite a few Daimlers in my 1/32 collection.
Here are a few more examples. I also have a few white metal by Minimarque 43 which I need to still photograph.
Oxford Daimler DS420 Limousine Wedding Car. This is a casting variation of Harv's Queen Mother vehicle.
Antonette 43 Daimler DS420 Limousine. (I bought these unlabelled on eBay but they appear to be from Antonette 43)
This resin model is one of my favourites. A limited edition of 50, I have it in two tone white and black and my favourite, blue, No.16/50.
Fabbri 1/43 Scale Diecast - Daimler DS420 Limousine - Casino Royale (a diecast from the James Bond Series)
