Description

1989 Daimler DS420 Landaulette

Unusual and well executed hand-built Landaulette in lovely order - business opportunity?

Dating from March 1989, this imposing Daimler DS420 has until recently formed part of a successful wedding business in the North.  This delightful example has had the master craftsman hands of our business owner convert it into the Landaulette you see here.

A coachbuilder by trade, our man lovingly restored the car through his business, perfecting the Landaulette variant, taking inspiration from the only two official Landaulettes built by Vanden Plas in 1973 and 1974 (which cost twice as much as a standard DS420 and about the same as a Rolls Corniche).

A note from the vendor confirms this car to have been formally owned by the Lord Mayor of Lincoln and upon retirement from service, the car was placed in the Lincoln Motor Museum where it remained for many years. 

Following its acquisition, the DS underwent a bare metal restoration including replacement of all door skins with factory originals, new inner and outer sills, wheel arches, rear valence, boot floor pans and repaint in Marble white. While doing so, the Landaulette conversion was carefully undertaken, trimming the hood in the vehicles' original colour of claret as a nod to its past, along with a complete re-trim of the interior with rear seats in cream vinyl piped claret with claret carpets and black vinyl front seats.

The 4.2 litre Jaguar XK engine we gather, was also rebuilt including removal of the head and skim plus rebuilt suspension and brakes since when the car has been sparingly used as the pride of the fleet.

The history file includes only the V5C revealing just 2 former keepers to our vendor. Bidders please note, the last MOT expired in October 2021 recording just 1 minor advisory for the exhaust having a minor leak of gases.  The MOT history shows the car was off the road between 2011 (at 106,918 miles) and 2015 (at 107,041 miles) with only c.150 miles covered in that time - the car currently showing 112,664 miles revealing some 5,500 miles covered since. We also note, the Experian report states 2 colour changes, from its original Black to red in 2009, and red to white in 2019 (as mentioned).

Affectionately known as ‘Lily’, the sale of this is a tough call, but serious ill-health and covid econo-climatic difficulties have unfortunately forced the sale of this lovely vehicle.

Bidders please note - this vehicle arrived ahead of the sale running and driving but has since proven reluctant to start, although it turns readily.  The vendor has been down to assess and thinks it needs a coil.  Call us for an update if needs be.

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com