1985 Daimler DS420 Limousine | 300K HKD "FIRM"

THIS MOTOR CAR

Few automobiles carry the weight of history quite like the Daimler DS420. Since that first royal ride in 1895, when the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) was conveyed through the streets of Coventry, every British monarch has used Daimlers—a tradition unbroken for over a century . The DS420 represents the final chapter of this royal lineage, the last of the "real limousines" hand-built for those who demand distinction without declaration.

This particular example, delivered new to Hong Kong in 1986 and remaining here ever since, is one of just 4,141 ever created—each one a bespoke masterpiece carrying coachwork by Vanden Plas of London. Beneath its stately black exterior beats the heart of a Le Mans winner: the legendary Jaguar XK 4.2-litre straight-six engine, making this the last production car to utilise this illustrious powerplant . The interior, spanning over 1.8 metres in width, offers accommodation for eight in opulent leather-trimmed comfort, separated from the chauffeur by a power-operated glass division .

Acquired by its current custodian from Classic Insider in 2018, this DS420 has been the subject of a dedicated preservation programme totalling over HKD 160,000 in documented mechanical and cosmetic investment. It is now offered for the discerning collector who understands that true grandeur requires no explanation.

Year: 1985 (First Registered 1986)

Body: Four-Door Limousine with Power-Operated Division

Exterior: Black

Interior: Leather

Driver's Side: RHD

Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic

Indicated Mileage: 62,638 KM (Indicated at time of photography)

First Delivery Location: Hong Kong (1986)

Registration: Hong Kong Registered, 5 Previous Owners

Current Ownership: Since 2018 (Eight Years)

IN SHORT

A rare 1985 Daimler DS420 Limousine, delivered new to Hong Kong and retaining its original coachwork. One of just 4,141 hand-built examples, this stately motorcar carries documented history suggesting former gubernatorial use and has benefited from over HKD 160,000 in sympathetic preservation under current ownership.

EXTERIOR & INTERIOR

The Last of the Real Limousines: The DS420's imposing silhouette was crafted by Motor Panels of Coventry, with final assembly by Vanden Plas in London until 1979, thereafter by specialist craftsmen at Jaguar's Browns Lane facility—fewer than one car per day emerging from their hands . This example's black coachwork presents in excellent condition, the result of a significant 2019 body restoration addressing corrosion on the wheel arches and floor panels, followed by a professional respray to match. The chrome trim throughout gleams as befits a state carriage, and the panel gaps remain true to the craftsmen's original tolerances.

A Cabin of Sovereign Proportions: Step through the coach doors and into a space that rivals the grandest saloons. The rear compartment spans over 1.8 metres in width, trimmed in supple black leather that presents in remarkably preserved condition. The power-operated division rises at the touch of a button, creating a private sanctuary for its occupants. Effective air conditioning ensures comfort regardless of climate, while the cavernous interior can accommodate eight in proper style .

MECHANICALLY SORTED & ENTHUSIAST-MAINTAINED

This DS420 is distinguished not merely by its provenance but by the meticulous care lavished upon it by its current keeper. Since acquiring the car from Classic Insider in 2018, the owner has invested over HKD 160,000 in documented mechanical and cosmetic preservation, sourcing correct parts from specialists across the United Kingdom and United States.

• Engine & Performance: The heart of this Daimler is the legendary Jaguar XK 4.2-litre straight-six engine, derived from the same lineage that claimed victory at Le Mans. Developing 245 bhp, it propels this substantial carriage to a top speed of 110 mph with the refined urgency expected of a state limousine . The engine has been maintained with new ignition components, belts, filters, and a reconditioned starter motor.

• Steering & Chassis: Two reconditioned power steering boxes have been fitted (2019 and 2022), ensuring the DS420's considerable presence can be manoeuvred with surprising lightness. The independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes remain in excellent order.

• Wheels & Tyres: In 2022, a set of five correct Avon whitewall tyres was sourced from Holden Vintage & Classic in the UK—a distinctive and essential cosmetic detail that completes the authentic presentation.

• Recent Investment Highlights:

  • Major body corrosion repair and respray (2019): HKD 45,585

  • Premium inorganic body coating and wax polish (2019): HKD 13,300

  • Two reconditioned power steering boxes (2019 & 2022): ~HKD 26,000

  • Reconditioned starter motor (2021): HKD 2,400

  • Set of five Avon whitewall tyres (2022): HKD 9,850

THE CLASSIC INSIDER ASSESSMENT

We quantify condition where others merely describe. Our score reflects a motorcar that has been thoughtfully preserved and mechanically enhanced, offering immediate enjoyment with the confidence of significant recent investment.

• Exterior (85/100): The black coachwork presents in excellent condition following its 2019 professional respray. The body is blemish-free, with all chrome trim in very good order. The car presents with the dignity and presence befitting its station.

• Interior (82/100): The spacious black leather interior is extremely impressive, showing minimal wear and presenting in excellent condition throughout. All instruments and controls function as intended, and the air conditioning provides effective cooling.

• Mechanical (88/100): A clear strength. The vehicle starts readily and drives with the authoritative refinement expected of a state limousine. The comprehensive recent mechanical investment—documented in full—provides confidence in its long-term reliability.

HIGHLIGHTS

• One of just 4,141 hand-built Daimler DS420 Limousines ever produced

• Powered by the legendary Le Mans-winning Jaguar XK 4.2-litre straight-six engine—the last car to use this illustrious powerplant

• Car of choice for royalty worldwide, including the British, Danish, and Swedish royal houses

• Documented investment exceeding HKD 160,000 under current ownership since 2018

• Major body corrosion repair and professional respray completed in 2019

• Two reconditioned power steering boxes fitted (2019 & 2022)

• Correct Avon whitewall tyres fitted in 2022

• Full leather interior in excellent condition, accommodating eight passengers

• Complete service records and parts-sourcing documentation available

SERVICE HISTORY

This Daimler DS420 has been maintained to an exceptional standard under current ownership. The comprehensive service file documents the following major works and investments:

2018-2019: Period of Significant Refurbishment

• Sep 2018: Quarter light seal sourced from Myton Automotive (UK)

• Nov 2018: Major service at British Motors (Jaguar Land Rover Aberdeen) @ 58,174 KM

• Dec 2018: Interior reading lamp sourced from David Manners (UK)

2019: Intensive Restoration Year

• May-Jun: Steering system overhaul with reconditioned power steering box from A&D Engineering (UK)

• Oct: Major body corrosion repair and professional respray at DCH Motors @ 62,576 KM — HKD 45,585

• Dec: Inorganic body coating and wax polish — HKD 13,300

2020-2022: Ongoing Mechanical Refinements

• Feb 2020: Fuel system components from Myton Automotive

• Oct 2021: Reconditioned starter motor from J&K Supplies (UK) — HKD 2,400

• Sep 2022: Reconditioned steering box from Wharf Garage (UK) — HKD 18,000

• Aug 2022: Set of 5 Avon whitewall tyres from Holden Vintage & Classic (UK) — HKD 9,850

Total Documented Investment Since 2018: Exceeds HKD 160,000

A complete history file with all invoices and correspondence is available for review by seriously interested parties.

Available Exclusively at Classic Insider. Viewing is strictly by appointment for serious interest only.

For more information, to request the complete history file, or to arrange a private viewing, please contact:

Kenneth Wong

Email: Kenneth@classicinsider.com

Telephone or WhatsApp: +852 9013 2536

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website has been compiled by Classic Insider with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided 'as-is', without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. Classic Insider is not liable for any errors or mistakes.

Photos from 2018 shown below