Daimler Double Six

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Jaguar’s legendary XJ range of world-beating saloons was launched in 1968. By 1972 the sublime V12 5.3 litre engine had been shoehorned into the compact engine bay, much work having been done to the cooling system, including an air cooled battery box!

At launch Jaguar claimed the XJ12, with a top speed of around 140mph, to be the “fastest full four seater available in the world”. With levels of ride quality and refinement that have not been significantly bettered to this day, the Jaguar XJ set the standard. The XJ range received a facelift in late 1973 for the ’74 model year. A new smaller grille, required to accommodate higher bumpers to meet the US bumper regs was incorporated along with a major update to the dashboard and heating system. From 1974 the longer wheelbase was also standardised.

Top of the range was the wonderful Daimler Double Six which had an even more luxurious Vanden Plas interior and extra sound-proofing to waft its occupants along in near silence at three-figure speeds with barely a ripple on a glass of champagne.

It is hard to believe that this well cared for 1974 Double Six is 41 years old. During that time it has covered under 74,000 miles and has a good service history with plenty of bills on file. One of the very early facelift models, it is believed to be one of just five Series IIs produced with Stromberg carburettors which it retains to this day.

Regularly waxoiled and fitted with a stainless steel exhaust, it retains its original chrome wheels and hubcaps and has recently been treated to a new set of tyres and a fresh battery.

The history file contains a factory manual, factory parts book and the car retains its original tool kit. Looking very smart in its deep red livery with tan upholstery, it is due to carry a fresh MOT by the time of the sale and looks like a great deal of luxury for very little outlay.