Daimler 420 Sovereign

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The Daimler 420 is a relative rarity among Browns Lane’s products; just 10,236 were produced between 1966 and 1968. 

To those in the know, the 420 is perhaps the ultimate classic Jaguar saloon being something of a thinking man’s MkII (if that isn’t being too rude to Inspector Morse). Aimed at Jaguar drivers looking for more sophistication than the MkII could offer, the S-Type employed a modified version of the MkII bodyshell with unique front and rear end treatment.

The fabulous front end styling was like a scaled down MkX and the 4.2-litre engine was virtually to E-Type spec, producing 245bhp and 283lb/ft of torque. The magic 100mph was comfortably achieved, while an independent suspension arrangement similar to the MkX ensured sure-footed and predictable handling. Further refinements included notably quick steering, dual circuit brakes, alternator electrics and a limited-slip differential.

Priced at £2,064 including tax, it was less than half the price of a Bristol 410 Saloon and less than one-third of the price of a contemporary T-Series Bentley and yet was easily the equal of both these cars. It is all the more remarkable then, that the model is so humbly valued today.

This late edition Daimler 420 was first registered in November 1967 and was owned by just one family (the Endecotts of Kent) right up until late 2012 when the current vendor acquired it. With a genuine 68,000 miles under its wheels, it was supplied new by Coombs of Guildford and pleasingly still retains the original raised-letter Coombs number plates.

The paintwork is described as ‘fair’, though the cream leather interior is nicely patinated and the woodwork is in good condition. Unusually, the Daimler is usefully equipped with a full-length Webasto roof.

The car comes with a substantial history file including the original service book stamped 15 times up to 35,555 miles in June 1981, while MOT certificates back to 1995 document the mileage rising from 56,193 then to 68,026 today. All the original handbooks (in their proper wallet) are included with the car, as is the original green log book and a thick sheaf of bills.

Being offered here from a deceased estate, the car was reportedly in good running order when acquired in 2102 but has since remained in storage and will require some precautionary recommissioning before being put back into use.