Description
Daimler’s Double Six name has a long pedigree, having first been used on a range of V12s beginning in 1926. The name was revived for the upmarket, Daimler-badged version of the XJ12 in 1972. To some enthusiasts, the XJ6 and XJ12 represented the last true Jaguars, as they were the last to have been built under the ægis of Sir William Lyons, who retired in 1972. His successor was ?Lofty? England, who had worked as a Daimler apprentice in the 1930s and no doubt felt a touch of nostalgic sentimentality when he bestowed the Double Six name upon the new Daimler version.
Utilising Jaguar?s now-famous 5.3-litre V12, introduced for the E-type in 1971, the Double Six had the performance to match its elegant looks. This evolved into the HE (high-efficiency) version in 1981, with a redesigned cylinder head, electronic fuel injection and Lucas?s Constant Energy Ignition. It also boasted a number of subtle luxury upgrades not seen on the Jaguar and was, of course, distinguished by the traditional Daimler fluted radiator grille.
This Daimler was sold new to Japan, a country where the Double Six and XJ12 were greatly in demand. A combination of the Japanese?s appreciation for their cars and the agreeable climate mean that many have survived in an exceptional condition. The odometer reading shows that this car was only ever used sparingly, and its overall condition testifies that its Japanese owners cared for it very well.
Originally we sold this car to the current owner and having further improved the car now wants to move on to a cabriolet. The car must be one of the nicest available.
This lovely car was manufactured in 1992 and spent sometime in Japan before being exported back to the UK. Clearly in Japan she was very much cherished and enjoyed the forgiving climate.
The Double Six is a fast car, as it should be with a 5. 3-litre, 313bhp V12 engine, and the power delivery is matched to an equally smooth automatic transmission. The Double Six was far cheaper than the cheapest Rolls-Royce or Bentley in its day but oozes much the same opulence and is as well made.
Engine 5993cc. V12 cylinders, 313bhp at 5350rpm. Four-speed automatic gearbox, rear-wheel drive. Top speed 152mph, 0-60 in 7. 5 seconds.
Polished walnut and soft leather abound. Each rear seat reclines electrically, and a further set of controls on the back of the front passenger seat even allows the left rear passenger to move the front seat.
In late 1979, the Jaguar XJ/ Daimler Sovereign was facelifted, and re-named as the XJ Series III. Using the long-wheelbase version of the car, the XJ incorporated a subtle redesign by Pininfarina.
This example of the Daimler Double Six is presented in Metallic Grey with contrasting full Doeskin Leather Interior. The car features Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Electric Windows/ Mirrors, Power Steering, Central Locking, Pioneer Stereo CD and AUX/ USB Input, Centre Armrest, Lumbar Support, Headlamp Washers, 15in Kent Alloys.
The car has comprehensive service history in Japanese, a new MOT will be done. The car was imported back from Japan in 2016. MOT?d since without advisories plus serviced and maintained in the UK since
The service history looks really good we say looks because much of the stamped book is in Japanese; but listed below is the service intervals other work (as we understand) and demonstrates how well this car has been looked after.
Service History
3524
5164
10096
17877
21108
24297
26815
31741
33964
39500
42858
46992
49598
54187
56687
59916
61903
63615
65380
66284
67589
68947
69901
70493
71354
71934
72585
UK Work and servicing:
17/ 04/ 2019 – 77005 Km- Full service
2017/ 2018 Fuel system work including new tanks, pipes and injectors ? £3200
2022 – Reconditioned Diff
2023 – Minor cosmetic paint work undertaken
April 2023 -New Wood ski slop, rear console panel and gear knob, badges and coachline
July 2023 – Service and tune at £586
New blue tooth radio with hands free phone connection
Supplied with an original owners manual and Heritage certificate
This is a customers car so please contact us if you are interested.
