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This is car no. SAJDWATL3AA201012, built in August 1987, and originally registered with its London owner as E383ELY. It is now in Thailand, registered as ฉจ 4444. The car is in mirror-like condition, as can be seen from the reflection of the violet stairs construction in the bonnet.
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The current owner, Pravut Kanchanawat, caught the DS420 virus already at a very young age. Ever since this picture (right) was taken, it has been his dream car. Apart from having fulfilled his dream, he now serves as the Secretary-General of the Classic Car Association of Thailand. According to him, most DS420 cars in Thailand were used for the British Embassy in the 70's and 80's. After four years of service, these cars would be auctioned to the public. Only a few cars were imported later by local businessmen. Currently, there are no more than ten DS420 Limousines in Thailand, ranging from the 70's to the 90's. |
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| It may be known that His Majesty the King of Thailand is among the classic Daimler lovers, with a beautifully restored DE36 Landaulette. |
Mr. Kanchanawat's DS420 was sold new to the Arthur Bartfeld Group Ltd.
in London on August 24, 1987.
The sale was handled by Wilcox Limousines in Chalfont St. Peter.
It stayed in London with its first owner until Summer 1990 when it
was shipped to Thailand.
In Thailand it then had a number of high ranking owners. First it was bought by Mr. Chin Sophonpanich, founder and former chairman of Bangkok Bank, Thailand's largest commercial bank. The car then was transferred to his second son Mr. Chatri who is now the Chairman of the Board of Directors Bangkok Bank Public Co, Ltd. The fourth owner, from August 2004, was Mr. Suriya Larbvisuthisin, a former Deputy Minister of Commerce. And finally, in September 2006, the current owner bought it for his collection with just 48.000 kilometers on the clock.
Above photos contributed in 2006
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Soon after the purchase in 2006 the "High-class" magazine published the following article, which is referenced here from the "non-English magazine articles" webpage of this site. That page shows even more articles featuring Mr. Kanachanawat's limo. |
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In 2008 the car was shown at the Bangkok International Motor Show in the BITEC Convention Center. It was used as a demonstrator for a polish coat brand, and the car looked very shiny for a long time afterwards:
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Above photos contributed in 2008