Description
The Daimler DS420 Landaulette was one of the most iconic and formal versions of the DS420 limousine, built with a unique blend of British luxury and coachbuilt elegance. Introduced in the late 1960s and produced until 1992, the DS420 was based on the Jaguar platform and shared many mechanical elements with the Jaguar 420G. However, the Landaulette variant, produced in very limited numbers, stood apart due to its ceremonial styling and specialized roof design.
The key feature of the Landaulette was its retractable rear roof section. This folding soft top covered only the rear passenger compartment, allowing dignitaries or wedding parties to be partially exposed to the elements, a design particularly popular in royal processions and formal state occasions. The fixed front roof over the chauffeur ensured practicality while maintaining the visual grandeur of open-air visibility for the passengers.
Internally, the DS420 Landaulette offered the same high levels of craftsmanship as its saloon counterpart. The cabin was often fitted with fine leather, burr walnut trim, and rear-facing occasional seats, making it ideal for formal occasions and chauffeur-driven use. The rear compartment was spacious, with a wide-opening rear door and high roofline, designed for ease of entry and exit, especially for those wearing formal attire.
Only a very small number of DS420 Landaulettes were produced, most of them by specialist coachbuilders such as Hooper or Vanden Plas. These cars were typically built to order for specific clients, including heads of state, members of royal families, and luxury wedding fleets. Due to their limited production and ceremonial role, surviving examples today are considered extremely rare and highly collectible.
The DS420 Landaulette remains a symbol of British formality and understated prestige. Its stately proportions, combined with the elegance of the open-air rear compartment, have made it an enduring choice for high-profile events and a treasured vehicle among collectors of classic limousines.