Daimler are the oldest British marque and alone held the Royal Warrant for limos like this for 60 years from 1900! They started out as the Horseless Carriage Co., but adopted the Daimler name in the 19th century when briefly using a 'common rail' engine of the time, as did 2 other unrelated companies (Daimler-Chrysler & Daimler-Benz). The British Daimler later absorbed the incredible Lanchester marque with cutting edge engineering so that even such as Bugatti borrowed from extensively.

The utterly dependable Wilson Automatic gearbox which this car has is a good example of that. Being the original Royal marque and linked to Royalty worldwide Daimler / BSA also actually owned top coachbuilders such as Barker and Hooper who built bodies also for Rolls Royce etc.  

However by 1960 they had lost some crown custom partly due to management of Sir Bernard Docker and his wife who emulated Royalty and gave Daimler an eccentric exotic image with the 'Green Goddess' series all based on the same chassis as the limo offered here.

Despite its trad appearance it benefits from postwar developments, and an OHV straight six engine & Wilson gearbox . One of the last of the flagship true Daimlers before being absorbed by Jaguar as their luxury marque in 1960.

The Daimler DE27 chassis was one of a kind supplied almost exclusively to heads of state, and the elite, and doubtless was used to convey such in its early life as part of a small fleet of black, closed limousines Coachbuilt by Barker. 

  

Typical mileage for these cars is understandably very low being used mostly for procession and local events  The extremely low odometer reading is unreliable, but comparing known history and condition, the true mileage is unlikely to exceed 50 or 60k. A later privileged owner had the coachbuilders restyle it as a Sedanca De Ville (opening roof cab) & Landaulette (rear folding hood) which is now a unique design on this chassis. All doors are rear hinged to facilitate access in the trad style.

  
Rare is an overused word in the classic car world often referring to one of thousands. This car is not rare. For it to be rare, others have to exist just like it...  There's just this one.

Recent history includes film work, and high end weddings it being the absolute ultimate in vintage wedding limos ! This is a highly lucrative and fun pastime, as the photos testify. It uniquely qualifies for this role having a wind proof open roof design intended for procession by Princesses, etc ! This is complimented by the colour scheme which followed its remodelling and has been refreshed in recent years.

Often seen at Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey filming), it's a favorite of Lady Carnarvon for her garden parties.  Known to all, by the way as 'Digby'.

   

Make no mistake this Limo is huge, it completely dwarfs other large limos ,looking down on stretch limos in every way bar length. Cruising along oozing opulence and quality with the flowing lines, running boards, large chromed headlamps, polished wood and full leather interior, you can be forgiven for entertaining delusions of grandeur.

The history file includes the correct DVLA documents numerous receipts, and Service Manual & other vital books. The valuable MHY 555 registration is transferable and included in the sale, with a circa £10k value alone.

A careful log has been kept of all maintenance, reliable parts sources, and sensible mechanical upgrades. After serving as a film, event ,wedding & prom limo very successfully for the last decade, its now reluctantly released at a peak year for such bookings, due to overseas plans. Hire leads can be shared with the new owner.

Many thousands have been lavished on the entire interior, seats were recovered with top quality cream hide, including the cab, in recent years and has no damage or scuffs. Headliner is flawless in West of England Wool Cloth. Both hoods are watertight even in extreme downpours. The finish is excellent everywhere. All the wood finish is particularly beautiful, and the cab floor is exceptionally neat.

The rear rug has been replaced, as have the upholstered grab handles, and slide out trays. The 3 full size folding seats disappear into the bulkhead as if by magic, and the rear salon is then large enough for a wheelchair, or table without impeding rear seat occupants. All the windows operate smoothly, as does the central glass division behind the driver.

There are underfloor access hatches and under seat storage as well as the large boot which folds flat to take a huge travel trunk or for use as a large picnic table at the regatta! A unique front and rear salon heating system has been renovated, and the wooden floors and insulation make for a cosy winter ride.

Drivers Cab: The cab easily seats 3 large adults, in great comfort, the steering column is adjustable, and even has vintage cruise control for processing.

Equipped with triple wipers, and an opening windscreen as well as the foldaway roof for hotter climes. Fuel & oil levels can be checked at a glance, as well as the usual gauges. Discreetly under dash is a quality sound system and CD player plus a remote control for the rear salon. USB and extra cigar sockets for Satnav, phones etc. are also fitted.

Weddings note:- 'Digby' seats 6 plump bridesmaids with Father and Bride in the rear, hoods down but without blowing their hair about - as it was designed for the Royal wave -to be seen but not blown away! An unbeatable vintage bridal car design.

 With a coachbuilt aluminium body throughout, there's absolutely no corrosion issues, and the ash framing is all sound without any signs of worm including the wooden floors. The finish is as good as it presents in the photos, with a very few tiny blemishes that there's no hurry to rectify.

The boot lid has some blended chip repairs and 2 fine paint crack lines on the sides and there's some tiny paint flake by door hinges that is easily rectified if required.

Door sealing gaps could be improved upon but are not that noticeable even under way. All the panels are highly presentable as necessary for its hire roles, and all the chrome is very good indeed. Unusually the rear number plate window panel is neat and not corroded at all, even though it is steel. The vinyl roof is still young and neat as are both hoods.

The spot lamps serve as front flashing indicators, and under bumper are a pair of bullet shaped fog lamps. There's a Shield Crest with the car that fits above the screen, also an original Flag Mast with the unique horse rider mascot which just increases its presence, along with the signature waterfall grille and giant lucas P100 headlamps.

The engine starts instantly and goes through the gears with a surge of tremendous torque effortlessly. There's no improper noises or smoke, no overheating or other issues. The gearbox is equally indestructible, and very satisfying to use, all gears work smoothly and the fluid drive will easily hold the car on a hill at tickover. The automatic preselector is simplicity, and its even equipped with Clayton Dewandre power brakes which have been overhauled using the superior silicon fluid.

Improvements include a secondary electric fuel pump supply switch, reliable temperature gauge and static engine cooling fan switches for midsummer traffic. The electrical system, charging, headlights, sidelights, tail lights, brake lights, flashing indicators, wipers etc all work and have been reworked with extra fuses and cabling. It's even equipped with a towbar & light socket for a vintage Caravan. (subject of a future auction) All 5 whitewall tyres and all 4 new shock absorbers were fitted in recent years, with no significant wear.

The steering box is smooth and the idler has been modified to reduce typical free play at the big steering wheel. Fuel tank was restored and is clean. The chassis is colossal and the underside of car is astonishingly sound order throughout. It's been well stored and maintained with just about everything recently overhauled by vintage mechanics.

Two good clubs exist with excellent spares and service items are readily available because this chassis was widely used and the engine and gearbox were developed from the ubiquitous 'silent' reliable Daimler armored car, some of which were used up to 1990! Currently the car needs nothing & is fully serviced, and useful parts are included. Even a starting handle.

The exhaust has been cleverly re-engineered in stainless steel with a much larger bore from the manifold down, and has been fine tuned to increase the power much beyond standard, but with a more economical carb setup. The car has a really satisfying power curve, climbing hills with ease even when towing a vintage caravan as it did last summer.

The reaction on the road and at campsites is just wonderful. Fitted with dual fuel pump supply for reliability along with other measures to ensure utter dependability. Such a joy to drive swiftly it really could take a group to the french riviera if required. The vendor will be pleased to drive 'Digby' anywhere to deliver to a new owner by arrangement.

Charming vintage character with classic driveability, plus some modern upgrades, that makes you forget its size when on the move. There's no equal for summer shows or taking friends and family to Ascot, Henley Regatta, Goodwood Revival, with open air sunshine cruising for groups from 3 to 9 persons!

'Digby' is perfect for picnics throughout the show season, and of course a retirement investment that is also a great fun source of income via wedding or event hire. Brides just adore 'Digby' -and bookings could be transferred to a new owner with pleasure.

There's only the one. Not rare at all then.


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