Sitting on a giant 142in wheelbase, the tubular-framed De Ville used Jaguar six and 12-cylinder engines, and with its flowing wing lines and big headlights it was styled to ape the massive straight-eight-engined 1930 Bugatti Royale, of which just six were built.
Underneath, there was Jaguar suspension, power steering and automatic transmission, making the De Ville an easy car to drive and quite quick, although poor aerodynamics tended to keep the top speeds low. Interiors were lavish and often featured TV sets and drinks bars. About 60 of these handbuilt machines were made between 1974 and 1985, including two-door convertibles and one pink and gold six-door limousine. Eagle-eyed anoraks will have spotted the origins of the De Ville's front doors, which were BMC 1800.
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