Daimler Sovereign 4.2 LWB

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Jaguar launched a mildly updated version of the wonderful XJ6 saloon in 1973, mainly to comply with more stringent US safety requirements which required that the front bumper be raised to 16” from the road.

They also took the opportunity to revise the cabin architecture which now featured a more driver-friendly layout of the instruments and switchgear, plus a much-improved heating and ventilation system – one of the few areas of criticism of the Series One model. By 1974 the short-wheelbase models had been dropped, all saloons getting the extra 4” in the rear which had previously been an extra cost option.

It was still powered by the same magnificent 4.2-litre XK engine which endowed the stately saloon with a top speed of 127mph and a 0-60 dash of just 8.8 seconds. The ride quality, handling and extreme silence of operation were just as remarkable as before. As usual a Daimler version was produced alongside, virtually identical to the Jaguar but with a chrome strip along the bonnet and a slightly different radiator grille.

This 1978 example was acquired by the vendor in 2000 after he spotted it in the classified section of the Jaguar Club magazine. It came with a history file containing some bills and an MOT dating from 1982 which showed that by then it had covered 73,000 miles. It clearly took on a more leisurely pace of life shortly after, a string of 15 old MOT certificates showing that over the next 32 years, just 22,000 miles have been added, a total of 95,000 miles now showing on the clock.

It retains its original handbook and in 1997 was repainted in what is now considered highly fashionable white. During its current ownership a stainless steel exhaust was added, the car being used regularly until about three years ago when it was put into storage. Recently brought out of hibernation, the vendor intends to give it a fresh MOT by the time of sale. The bodywork appears to be in sound condition, an unusual state of affairs on a Daimler of this period, and testament to the fact that it has been owned and cared for by Jaguar enthusiasts for many years.