Daimler Sovereign 4.2 LWB

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In 1979, the Jaguar/Daimler XJ range appeared in its final Series III guise, having received a thorough make-over by Pininfarina.

Subtly redesigned but still retaining those flowing Big Cat lines, it now had improved safety and even less wind noise thanks to flush-fitting door handles and one-piece front windows with no quarter lights. The roof-line was also raised slightly for increased passenger head-room and Bosch fuel-injection was fitted for improved economy and performance.

However the really big news was the marked increase in build quality under the hawk-eyed supervision of Jaguar’s new chairman, Sir John Egan, who was rightly concerned by some of the shoddy practices that had slipped in during the production of the Series 2 cars in the late 70s.

As usual a Daimler version was on offer, its exterior being virtually identical to the Jaguar but for a chrome strip along the bonnet and a slightly different radiator grille. Things were different on the inside though, the upmarket Daimler being fitted with a luxury Vanden Plas interior. In 4.2-litre form the stately saloon had a top speed of 127mph and could waft to 60mph in just 8.8 seconds. The Series III remained in production until 1992 with over 134,000 finding new customers.

This lovely 1979 Sovereign has covered just 46,250 miles from new and was taken in part exchange by the vendor around nine years ago. He has kept it next to the radiator in his heated garage ever since, using it sparingly on special occasions.

Its previous owner won a silver award with the car at the 1996 Classic & Sportscar Show at the NEC, the car remaining in much the same condition now as it was back then. A large file detailing its past service and maintenance history accompanies the vehicle, the vendor reporting that it has never been welded – a most unusual situation for a Daimler of this period. The car is currently on SORN and will carry a fresh MOT by the time of the sale.

With hardly any good ones left, these fine cars are only now beginning to enjoy the respect they deserve and this low mileage example looks mighty tempting at the sensible guide price suggested.