![](http://image.absoluteastronomy.com/images//topicimages/noimage.gif)
Daimler DR450
Encyclopedia
The Daimler DR450 was a limousine
based on the 4.5 litre V8 Majestic Major
saloon. Although intended for the carriage trade or as a hire car for those needing something larger than a five-seater saloon, it was produced in almost the same numbers as the "Major" saloon itself. It was also used as the basis for a hearse
. The central seats, like those of other Daimler limousines, were not full seats but simple fold-down types without the thick cushions provided to the front and rear seats.
It featured a longer box section chassis than that of the "Major" saloon and a third window at the rear of the car. For special order, a landaulette version with an open top was built, notably for the King of Thailand. Compared to the Majestic
and the "Major", the styling of the DR450 was even more dated as the rear side windows were less curved and more boxy. However, the powerful 4,561 cc
(278 cubic inch) hemi-head engine meant the DR450 was only a little slower than the Majestic Major with a top speed of 180 km/h (112 miles per hour), and with powerful disc brakes, the car stopped very well despite weighing over 2,100 kg.
With the takeover of Daimler by Jaguar Cars Limited
, the DR450 was the last "true" Daimler. It was produced until 1968, when it was replaced by the unitary construction Jaguar-based DS420
limousine. 864 cars came out of the Coventry factory.
Limousine
A limousine is a luxury sedan or saloon car, especially one with a lengthened wheelbase or driven by a chauffeur. The chassis of a limousine may have been extended by the manufacturer or by an independent coachbuilder. These are called "stretch" limousines and are traditionally black or white....
based on the 4.5 litre V8 Majestic Major
Daimler Majestic Major
The Daimler Majestic Major was a large executive saloon made by Daimler in Coventry between 1959 and 1968, using a 4,561 cc V8 engine and offered as a much more powerful supplement to their then current Daimler Majestic....
saloon. Although intended for the carriage trade or as a hire car for those needing something larger than a five-seater saloon, it was produced in almost the same numbers as the "Major" saloon itself. It was also used as the basis for a hearse
Hearse
A hearse is a funerary vehicle used to carry a coffin from a church or funeral home to a cemetery. In the funeral trade, hearses are often called funeral coaches.-History:...
. The central seats, like those of other Daimler limousines, were not full seats but simple fold-down types without the thick cushions provided to the front and rear seats.
It featured a longer box section chassis than that of the "Major" saloon and a third window at the rear of the car. For special order, a landaulette version with an open top was built, notably for the King of Thailand. Compared to the Majestic
Daimler Majestic
The Daimler Majestic 101 was launched by the Daimler Motor Company of Coventry in July 1958 and was in production until 1962. The six cylinder, four door saloon, with new three speed Borg Warner automatic transmission, power steering and four-wheel disc brakes, vacuum-servo assisted, was very...
and the "Major", the styling of the DR450 was even more dated as the rear side windows were less curved and more boxy. However, the powerful 4,561 cc
Daimler 2.5 & 4.5 litre
The Daimler 2.5 & 4.5 litre V-8 engines were designed by Edward Turner in 1959 and used in several of the cars made by the British Daimler company in the 1950s and 1960s...
(278 cubic inch) hemi-head engine meant the DR450 was only a little slower than the Majestic Major with a top speed of 180 km/h (112 miles per hour), and with powerful disc brakes, the car stopped very well despite weighing over 2,100 kg.
With the takeover of Daimler by Jaguar Cars Limited
Jaguar (car)
Jaguar Cars Ltd, known simply as Jaguar , is a British luxury car manufacturer, headquartered in Whitley, Coventry, England. It is part of the Jaguar Land Rover business, a subsidiary of the Indian company Tata Motors....
, the DR450 was the last "true" Daimler. It was produced until 1968, when it was replaced by the unitary construction Jaguar-based DS420
Daimler DS420
The Daimler DS420, popularly known as the Daimler Limousine, is a large limousine produced by Daimler Motor Company between 1968 and 1992. The vehicles are used extensively as official state cars in several countries, including by the British and Danish Royal Families...
limousine. 864 cars came out of the Coventry factory.