Daimler Sovereign S1 2.8 Automatic

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The much vaunted all-new Jaguar XJ6 had been eagerly awaited for some time when it finally appeared in 1968.

Styled by Sir William Lyons, it combined design cues from the existing S-type, MK X and 420 models wrapped up in a much smoother, more contemporary package. Fitted with Jaguar’s latest versions of the fabulous XK engine in either 2.8- or 4.2-litre form and the E-Type’s clever independent rear suspension, it immediately became a best seller on both sides of the Atlantic.

An ‘upmarket’ version under the Daimler brand was introduced simultaneously, wearing the traditional Daimler fluted radiator grille and featuring even more wood and leather inside.

The later, post 1973 Series II cars lost some of the pin-sharp styling of the earlier models, this well presented 1970 model retaining such features as the early chrome-bezels on the dials, details which sadly got lost when BL’s accountants got hold of the books.

Fitted with the smaller of the two engine options, this 45 year old example has had just three owners from new. The original bill of sale from Henlys of Bristol shows that it was delivered new to Col. Ward, a company director from Bristol. Ordered in Sable with Cinnamon trim, a series of bills indicate comprehensive maintenance until it was sold in 1987, by which time it had covered just over 31,000 miles.

Just before it was sold, it was given a top-end overhaul, the new owner then stripping the car for a repaint immediately after purchase but never getting round to completing the job.

The vendor purchased the car as a project in 2010 and put it back on the road earlier this year. He stripped the bodywork back to bare metal in most areas, including the majority of the underseal and painted the car in its original shade of Sable. Following its reassembly, the car has covered some 400 miles, showing excellent oil pressure and driving very smoothly indeed.

The arrival of yet another project and limited storage space has meant that it sadly must go. It is MOTd until July 2016 and drove very nicely on our short trip to take the catalogue photographs. 

AMENDMENT: Please note that the current mileage reads 37,000 and not 32,000 as catalogued. The car is also described as brown and not green as previously stated.