Description
The Daimler DE27 Limousine 4 Litre was a large, dignified post-war luxury car produced by the Daimler Company of Coventry between 1946 and 1951. It was one of the first cars Daimler offered after World War II and was intended for formal and official use, often serving as a state vehicle, a chauffeured limousine, or high-end private transport.
Under the bonnet, the DE27 was powered by a 4.1-litre straight-six engine, derived from Daimler’s long-established line of overhead valve engines. The engine delivered smooth and steady performance rather than outright speed, perfectly in line with the car’s intended use as a comfortable and refined means of transport for up to seven passengers. The power was transmitted through Daimler’s signature fluid flywheel and pre-selector gearbox system, a combination that provided quiet and effortless gear changes, well suited to chauffeur-driven operation.
The DE27 was built on a large and rigid chassis that allowed for a variety of body styles, but the most common configuration was the formal limousine. This featured a long wheelbase, rear-hinged rear doors, and a high roofline to accommodate passengers entering and exiting with ease, even while wearing hats or formal attire. The bodywork was typically produced in-house or by coachbuilders such as Hooper and Barker, maintaining Daimler’s long tradition of bespoke luxury.
The car’s design was conservative but elegant, with a tall Daimler grille, prominent wings, and understated chrome detailing. The overall proportions emphasised dignity and space, and the DE27’s silhouette made it instantly recognisable as a prestige vehicle. Many examples featured a division window between the driver and passenger compartments, further emphasising its role as a chauffeur’s car.
Inside, the DE27 was trimmed with high-quality materials, including polished wood veneers, wool or leather upholstery, and deep carpets. The rear compartment was particularly spacious and comfortable, often equipped with fold-down occasional seats, armrests, and sometimes additional fittings such as vanity mirrors or reading lamps. Heating and ventilation systems were designed to keep rear passengers comfortable, with the driver’s comfort generally considered secondary.
The DE27 was used by a variety of official organisations, and it gained a reputation for reliability and stately performance. It was not uncommon to see them in service with government departments, foreign embassies, and even as part of royal fleets, although Daimler’s more luxurious DE36 and later DS420 models would more fully dominate those roles in the years that followed.
Today, the Daimler DE27 Limousine 4 Litre is a relatively rare and highly collectible example of post-war British motoring prestige. It represents an era in which luxury was defined by comfort, craftsmanship, and formal presence rather than speed or cutting-edge technology. Restored examples are prized for their dignified appearance, mechanical uniqueness, and historical value as part of Daimler’s legacy of building cars for those at the highest levels of society.