MyTorque is a collection of articles about member experiences and comments on their cars. This article is from JCCT member Andrew Irving about a fascinating meeting of three wonderful cars.

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On the 22nd of December 2010 a very historic meeting took place at Government House in Hobart Tasmania. With the arrival of the Emperor of Japan, and the Governor of Victoria, there to meet the Governor of Tasmania. Sounds very impressive, well, let me tell you, it was.

It was actually the 3 DS420 Daimler Limousines (the only 3 in Tasmania) that meet up for an informal get-together around the beautiful fountain in the court yard at the front entrance of this historic home, resided in by our current Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Peter Underwood AC. Unfortunately, our Governor had left for the mainland to spend Christmas with the family, but this was organised by Ann Parker, the Official Secretary, and Darren Fenton, the Chauffeur, for which we extend our heartiest thanks. Darren was unfortunately also away on the day, due to a funeral, and I know he was sorry to have missed such a spectacle (we will have to do it again Darren).

The Governors DS420 is a 1980 model, purchased new in March 1981 from Terry Hickey Autos for $44,991.00. She has covered only 37,000+ miles in her 31 years, and apart from a (magnificently done) respray, (by Peter Leach - Northern Tasmania) is in tiptop condition. From the chassis number, and the records I have from the Daimler Heritage Trust, this car was the 78th vehicle fully built at Jaguars Browns Lane premises. Prior to this, the chassis were made at Browns Lane and sent off to the Vanden Plas Body works, Kingsbury, London, for completion. This arrangement was in place from April 1968 till November 1979, at which time the Jaguar Factory in Browns Lane set up the necessary facilities for Vanden Plas to complete the limousines there, which commenced in February 1980.

It is interesting to put the 3 vehicles together, with 12 years between my 1968 white 'Governor' and the 1980 black Tasmanian Governors car, and 8 years between this and my 1988 claret/black 'Royal Emperor'. A span of virtually the entire 24 years of manufacture and all the changes that went on during that time. The body shape never changed (Jaguar and Vanden Plas got that right first time round), but the many other cosmetic changes and improvements through out the car itself that were made. (This is another article all together).

As Darren was away, the vehicle was parked in the drive way for us by a second chauffeur / gardener (Steve), who left the keys with the car for us to drive and move the cars around for that ultimate photo shot, for which there were many, as the Daimler DS420 is highly photogenic.

Accompanying me on the day were Des Wighton, Jenni Appleby, Allister Shoobridge and Faye Duffy. All very excited to be in such a grand place (without the crowds of the annual open day). We spent about an hour and a half taking photos, comparing the 3 models and generally enjoying this unique experience. This is the vehicle that our very own Princess Mary uses on her visit. Many times we glanced up to see employees at a window admiring the scene below, and at one stage we counted 7 heads. I am sure all the staff there on the day, got to view this magnificent sight.

All in all a very worthwhile and unique experience, and one we will not forget in a hurry, but let the photos speak for themselves.

  - Andrew Irving

You can find pictures of this event in the Galleries.

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