1971 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Litre Series One Short Wheel Base Saloon

The XJ6, using 2.8 litre (2790 cc/170 in³) and 4.2 litre (4235 cc/258 in³) straight-six cylinder versions of Jaguar's renowned XK engine, replaced most of Jaguar's saloons – which, in the 1960's, had expanded to four separate ranges. Apart from the engines, the other main component carried over from previous models was the widest version of Jaguar's IRS unit from the Mark X. An upmarket version was marketed under the Daimler brand and called the Daimler Sovereign, continuing the name from the Daimler version of the Jaguar 420.The "XJ" designation was from the car's code name during development, standing for "Experimental Jaguar".The car was introduced in September 1968. Power-assisted steering and leather upholstery were standard on the 2.8 L De Luxe and 4.2 L models and air conditioning was offered as an optional extra on the 4.2 L. Daimler versions were launched in October 1969, in a series of television advertisements featuring Sir William. In these spots, he referred to the car as "the finest Jaguar ever". An unusual feature, inherited from the Jaguar Mark X, was the provision of twin fuel tanks, positioned on each side of the boot / trunk, and filled using two separately lockable filler caps: one on the top of each wing above the rear wheel arches. In March 1970 it was announced that the Borg-Warner Model 8 automatic transmission, which the XJ6 had featured since 1968, would be replaced on the 4.2 litre-engined XJ6 with a Borg-Warner Model 12 unit. The new transmission now had three different forward positions accessed via the selector lever, which effectively enabled performance oriented drivers to hold lower ratios at higher revs in order to achieve better acceleration. "Greatly improved shift quality" was also claimed for the new system.

Here we have an exceptional low mileage Series One Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Litre 30,000 miles backed up by expired MOT certificates and service history. Four owners are recorded upon the V5C. The Daimler is presented in original and exceptional condition and I believe it would be a very difficult example to replicate. On the road the Daimler drives superbly if anything way ahead of its years giving a smooth comfortable ride with excellent handling and performance. A mass of character exudes from this car and it's just so correct! Currently MOT tested until August 2013. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a low mileage and truly beautiful Series One XJ Sovereign. Delivery arranged.