£5,904 was a mighty price for any motor car in the immediate post-war years but General Sir Bernard Freyberg had enjoyed a distinguished service career in both World Wars and upon his appointment to the post of Governor General of New Zealand it was essential that he took with him a car befitting his status.

Daimler's DE 27 was not the absolute top-of-the-range Daimler but with an overall length approaching 18 feet was certainly the largest in size.

Amongst the rich and famous taking delivery of this model around this time was Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth who also ordered limousine coachwork by Hooper.

Daimler had been the choice of royalty from the very beginning while Hooper had long held the Royal Warrant.

The DE 27 featured as standard such luxuries as telescopically adjusted steering, a built-in jacking system and Daimler's fluid flywheel and epicyclic gearbox.

Daimler's contemporary advertising described the post-War range as 'infallible in performance – impeccable ...