MyTorque is a collection of articles about member experiences and comments on their cars. This article is from JCCT member Andrew Irving, about a recent acquisition.

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Those of you of a certain age will remember the TV show called "The Brady Bunch". The words to the theme tune of this show started with This is a story about a lovely Lady...

Well this story is about one such lovely Lady.

It all began at the Jaguar factory in England in 1988, where this very elegant Lady was created and dressed in her refinery of Claret over Black colours (the Late Queen Mothers colours) as per her work sheet and order requirements. She is of course a Daimler DS420 Limousine (one of the very last, as production ceased in 1992). This beautiful Lady was destined for greater things, as she was ordered by the Japanese Government of the day, and was to be assigned to the Royal Stables of the Emperor of Japan. There along side Rolls Royce's, she performed her duties without fail, year after year, being lovingly cared for by the Royal attendants wearing white gloves, with every detail both mechanical, body and interior being mindfully catered for.

In late 2009 (21 years and only 82,000 miles later) and with the down turn in the world financial market that affected Japan's economy, the Japanese Government decided it was time to sell off much of the Royal stable of cars, which included this ever faithful Daimler DS420. This vehicle along with 3 Rolls Royce motorcars went up for tender worldwide. The successful tender for these 4 cars was eventually won by a South Australian businessman Warren Stoker of "Stokers Sports and Prestige" (SSP) in Adelaide, South Australia. This company specialises in Rolls Royce and Bentley sales, service and restoration, and source their vehicles world wide, as they have personnel through out the world in search of such exotic sales, for which the cars are shipped back to SA for Australian Compliance plating and selling on. (Warren Stoker served his apprenticeship at the Rolls Royce factory in Crewe, hence is a very knowledgeable person in this regard, and knows a good car when he sees one!)

It was early in 2010 that a certain person (we will call him 'Mr. X' for now) became aware of this beautiful Lady and immediately fell in love with her, so the emails and phone calls began in earnest. 'Mr X' was sent many photos of her, including the underside which was absolutely spotlessly clean, at which point he enquired as to whether this car had already been steam cleaned for quarantine and shipping purposes, and was informed by SSP that NO, at that stage nothing had been done and this is the way the Royal stable of cars are kept, spotless in every resect. A deal was negotiated, a deposit paid, and the waiting game was on.

This wait started with SSP wanting the correct ship too handle this lovely Lady and the Rolls Royce's from the Royal stable, and as SSP do this all the time, they were prepared to wait for that particular ship which is usually booked 2 to 3 months in advance. The ship duly arrived in Melbourne on the 29th March 2010. (Apparently there were not enough cars on board to warrant bringing the ship to SA for unloading) hence she was off loaded at Melbourne, and with Easter weekend looming. SSP had no option than to have her stored over the weekend till the customs and quarantine officials had done their inspections and had "re-cleaned" her (just another greedy government department wanting their pound of flesh on everything, despite the thorough cleaning and the passing of muster prior to leaving Japan.) This of course caused further delays for the delivery of this beautiful lady.

The Daimler was then transported by road to the workshop of SSP, and arrived in Adelaide on the 12th April 2010 too much fan-fare and admiration. Warren Stoker rang 'Mr X' to say that "I do not remember her looking this grand and beautiful, it must be something to do with being under the Australian blue sky". He also remarked that a customer had come in to pick up his Rolls Royce, took one look at her and was prepared to write a cheque there and then, for nearly twice as much as she was being sold for. Warren Stoker's son was also very keen on the car on first sight, and told his father to give 'Mr X' back his deposit, but to late, as a contract was already signed and in place.

Warren Stoker and 'Mr X' kept in regular contact over the next few weeks, and unfortunately the South Australian Government, who apparently are notorious for their lack of ability to get anything done in a timely manner delayed the vehicle even further by not having an available date for the Compliance Plating till the 24th May (!!!!!!). In the meantime, SSP had all the engineering reports sorted and files, ready for the 24th May. Of course once this is done it's just a matter of getting a roadworthy on her the same day and registration, ready for delivery (finally)

Conversations with Warren Stoker found him to be totally frustrated by the SA Government in this respect, and despite his many years in business, could never come to terms with their total lack of co-operation. This of course results in SSP waiting nearly 5 to 6 months for final payment for all of these vehicles after the companies' initial outlay (pretty poor really).

Apparently, unlike all other States in Australia where there are many licensed premises that are able to undertake a road worthy and inspection by qualified mechanics, South Australia do not allow this, and all inspections and road worthy's are done through the States 'one and only' enormous Government complex at Regency Park, hence the long wait and having to book vehicles in. To top it all off, the staff that do the inspections are 'NOT' qualified mechanics, and just have to follow a 'book of inspection instructions'??????????? No wonder Warren Stoker of SSP gets so frustrated with it all. Anyway, there she sat for nearly 4 weeks, in good company of Rolls Royce and Bentley motorcars, waiting, waiting, and waiting.

Finally, the day arrived, all inspections and registration was finalised, and with a phone call from SSP, 'Mr X' flew to Adelaide on the 2nd June in preparation for taking this exotic beauty home. On arrival at the airport in Adelaide, 'Mr X' was picked up by Warren Stoker and taken back to the premise where the Daimler was waiting, and where 'Mr X' was to see his new acquisition for the very first time, and what a glorious sight she was. To say it took his breath away and left him speechless was an understatement… a sight to behold indeed. 'Mr X' looked around the SSP showroom and workshop of all the Rolls Royce and Bentley motorcars in various stages of restoration, repair or being sold, and was most impressed with the professionalism of the SSP Company.

With all papers signed and finalised, it was time to bid farewell and hit the road for the 742 Km journey across to Melbourne and the 'Spirit of Tasmania' for the trip home to Tasmania (yes, she was coming to Tasmania). Leaving Adelaide just after lunch on the same day, 'Mr X' had a very pleasant drive through to Bordertown, arriving at around 4.30 pm. Time to settle into a motel for the evening and a rest for the 460 Km's left to drive to Melbourne the following day. After a good breakfast the next morning, 'Mr X' was on the road again for the next leg of the journey, getting ever closer to his home, still a good 30 hours away.

He arrived in Melbourne at 2.30 pm, and once again the waiting game was on, as he had a few hours to kill before boarding the Ship, which actually proved to go rather quickly due to the enormous amount of curiosity and attraction this vehicle caused, spending a lot of time talking to people with their endless questions.

After a long tiring day of driving, 'Mr X' slept well on the crossing to Devonport, and was absolutely amazed to find that he was the very first car off the ship that morning, hitting the roads of Tasmania and the final leg home at around 6.30 am. A few JCCT members in the south already know who this car belongs to, however, I am sure by now, others of you that are reading this may have guessed who 'Mr X' is by now, but if not, just keep reading as all will be revealed shortly.

'Mr X' called into Westbury to see Martin and Kaye Wilson, both of whom were very impressed with this beautiful 'Royal' lady. He also got to see the progress of Martin's SS100 (It looked an absolute treat, and look forward to seeing her on the road in due course). With breakfast and a chat under their belts, 'Mr X' was once again off, and arrived home at 10.45 am on the Friday morning. Over 1000 Km's from Adelaide, and now parked in her new garage.

So here it is fellow members, this elegant and 'Royal' beautiful DS420 limousine and grand old lady is home and parked in your editor's garage, and we could not be more proud of her.

Watch out for her at events and shows.

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Editor's Note: With thanks to Des Wighton and Jenni Appleby who had me arriving on their doorstep a 6.45 am on the day of the flight, (Marilyn had an early start that day) so Des could take me to the airport. However, that was not before he had cooked up a hot breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast.

Thanks also to Martin and Kaye Wilson, for their hospitality over breakfast. (They too endured an early morning call) Martin and Kaye were the first to see her.

Finally a big thank you to Warren Stoker of SSP in Adelaide, for although he endures these long delays as part of his business, this was our car, and I had more of an understanding of his frustrations, as at times we wondered if the Daimler would ever come home!!!! (Thanks Warren)

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