If A MK10 Isn't Big Enough

From:

Classic Cars for Sale March 2011

Fancy a Mk10 with a difference, one thats even bigger and ostenatious

Then have a look at the DS420 from Daimler, after Jaguar took over Daimler in 1960,
it was horrified by the the dated looking SP 250 sports car. (As we know the E-Type
saw the end of this car) Also the frumpy looking Majestic Major, and so wanting something
more modern. As the Mk10 was limo sized anyway, it was the ideal donor car to take on the
Rolls Royce Phatom, yet be much cheaper to make and sell plus feel less stuffy than any
rival.

Launched in 1968 , the DS 420 was 18ft 10in long available fully built or as a chassis only.
Jaguar even toyed with the idea of a saloon., but with the 420G seling slowly anyway, quickly
dropped the idea. The DS was initially built at the vandan plas coachworks based in London
but , after the closure, production was transferred to Browns Lane.

Lasting up to 1993, 5043 were made (927 chassis units) the best year being 1970 when
489 were sold. Changes along the way included a GM automatic 'box and XJ steering wheel
/ignition switch in 1981, split type front seatsand floor mounted auto selector ('84) manual choke
('85) facelift with XJ6 S3 bumpers and grill design ('86),better driving position ('87) and alloy
wheels, but still accepting hub caps in ('89). As you can see, virtually nothing was done to the
car till Jaguar bought it in house!

To drive the DS420 feels like an even heavier and fatter Mk10 but as for comfort, it reigns supreme.
The 4.2 engine only provides leisurely performance in this heavy weight but who wants to hare
around in one anyway Especially as gas consumption is only just in double figures

With no classic status, prices are cheaper than a Jag and £4000 will buy a respectable example.

Get the best you can afford as restos will be a massive task - both physically and financially.

The Verdict

Grace Pace & Space..... or an oversized cat verging on vulgar

Well its all of the above really, but always fantastic value for money and a Coventry Cat
on the cusp of being a true cluassic. Id rather have one than drive a yank tank

The MK10 is also a good alternative to a Mk2 or a XJ6, being equally accomplished for a
lot less cash.

Mark our words - the MK10 \420G is worth considering for a lot less cash if you want to make a big
impression in every sense of the word.....