Daimler 6/6 coupe

History

Registration No GKV 235T Chassis No 2F 13068W Engine No 34652 Sir William Lyons introduced his radical new XJ6 to an enthusiastic public in 1969 and at a stroke the Jaguar was elevated to a position as one of the very best performance saloons in the world. The styling was based on previous Jaguars but was subtly updated and the result was a highly attractive svelte and sophisticated luxury car with huge performance and exceptional roadholding. Daimler had for some years been a part of the Jaguar stable, and the cars were now for the most part up-market versions of the latter, usually wearing the traditional fluted Daimler radiator, and fitted with every available luxury extra. The Daimler Sovereign was introduced at the same time as its Jaguar XJ6 equivalent, and was also available with a similar choice of 2.8 or 4.2 litre twin-cam six cylinder engines. In 1972 the XJ range was enhance by the introduction of the fabulous 12 cylinder engine designed for the saloons but first used in the series III E-type. This magnificent V-12 aluminium engine of 5,343 ccs developed 314 bhp at 6,200 rpm and gave the XJ tremendous performance with total refinement and put the luxury saloon at the top of the World Class. Daimler models fitted with the V12 engine were known as the Double-Six after a 1930s sleeve-valve car of great renown, and they were of course at the summit of the range, and with a top speed of some 140mph they were also the fastest production four seater in the world. The final icing on the cake was still to come, however, for in September 1973 a second XJ series was announced and included a new coupe body on the short (9ft 1in) wheelbase. This striking design was of pillarless construction, so that the electrically operated windows could be completely retracted leaving an uninterrupted opening from front to rear. The car had only two doors, each some 8inches wider than on saloon models, and the sporting appearance was further enhanced by a vinyl roof in a contrasting colour. Torsional stiffness was retained by the addition of reinforcing beams, and the car was still, of course a full four seater. The magnificent Double-Six Coupe offered here was registered on 1 August 1978, and has covered a mere 19,200 miles since then, this mileage being believed genuine. In 1988 the car, still in outstanding condition , was purchased by a Coventry Jaguar specialist who intended it to form part of his permanent collection. The same year, however, the Daimler was acquired by the owner of a large collection of Jaguar cars who decided in view of its condition, rarity and originality to commission a complete refurbishment. The car was completely stripped and rebuilt to better than new condition, and finished in its original silver with black vinyl roof and leather interior. Some time later the Daimler formed part of a complicated swap when it was exchanged with Tom Walkinshaw for a racing XJR 9 Jaguar, but after several years in his Cotswolds collection of historic Jaguars it was sold to make way for some XJ220s. This magnificent Double Six Daimler then found its way to the West Country where it has been highly cherished as part of a large collection of historic cars for many years. Double six Daimlers in this condition are rare, and with less than 20,000 miles covered this car must be almost unique. Of all the XJ Series cars, the coupes are the most collectable, and the V-12 engined cars are the most desirable of the coupes- add to this the prestige of the Daimler marque and the result is the best of the best. The car is offered with a detailed history and list of work carried out, has a V5c and a MoT certificate valid until March ?06. These cars, especially in Daimler Duble Six form are now rare, and this is an unusual opportunity to acquire a very original example with exceptionally low mileage and in magnificent condition. As the car was the subject of an exceedingly thorough and expensive restoration it must represent a good investment as the cars are now sought-after on a world wide basis.