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, was 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 XJ set the standard. The car received a number of facelifts, culminating in the Series III introduced in 1979, Pininfarina having given it a very light make-over to freshen its appearance. The six-cylinder cars were replaced by an all-new XJ40 series in 1986, the V12 models continuing with the old bodyshell, built in limited numbers until 1992.

Top of the range was the wonderful Daimler Double Six which had an even more luxurious Vanden Plas spec 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.

This well cared for 1991 model has covered 98,000 miles from new in the hands of its four owners. The vendor purchased the car in 2003 and has had the vehicle regularly maintained by his local garage who have entered the car into the sale on his behalf.

MOTd until May 2015, it is described by them as a very nice example which will be driven some 60 miles to the sale. It is reported to run extremely well, showing just a few minor blemishes to the otherwise very good paintwork. The interior is also particularly smart making this range-topper look exceedingly good value at the modest guide price suggested.