2023-02-24 12:08:55 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

themarket.bonhams.com/en/listings/daimler/sovereign-double-six-coupe/83363b3f-97 ..._source=Market+Users&utm_campaign=886a677bbe-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_01_10 ...

Seller's description:

Selller L’epoca sportiva

Location: The Market HQ, Abingdon, United Kingdom

Odometer Reading: 66000

Chassis Number: 2F1011BW

Engine: 5343

Gearbox: Auto

Steering position: Right-hand drive

Colour: Primrose Yellow

Interior: Olive Leather

Estimated Price: £25,000 - £35,000

First registered in mid-June 1975, this 5 owner Daimler is a Sovereign Coupé with the 5.3-litre “Double-Six” V12 engine and Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic transmission.

All five previous owners were reportedly Jaguar Enthusiasts or collectors who spared no expense on meticulous maintenance. One of the most recent owners - a wealthy collector who lived in Switzerland and had it registered to a friend who stored it for him in the UK - spent over £20k restoring the car to take to rallies and events when he came over.

Among his collection of rare classics was the one-off Aston Martin GT4 Coupe "Jet" built by Giugiaro at Bertone, which sold at Bonhams auction following his death in 2013 for a record £3.25m. This gives an indication of the standard of quality he sought in all the cars for his collection - including this Daimler.

Unfortunately, the large history file for the Daimler was left behind in Switzerland after his death, but its potential whereabouts are being looked into by the specialist Jaguar dealer who is selling the car.

On the Outside

The exterior of the Daimler is finished in Pale Primrose (Colour code FDB) - a very rare special order colour (for which read “extra cost”). Production data for these coupés suggest that only one Double-Six left the factory in this shade, so in that sense it is a “1 of 1”.

A popular styling addition in the 1970s, all of the Coupes sported a black vinyl roof. Some say it was to hide a vulnerable weld which sometimes caused the paint to crack on the roof, but others refute this and declare it purely aesthetic.

The bodywork is in generally good condition, with really good panel fit, but we note that the paint is generally micro-blistered and there is variation in shade across some panels. The flanks sport a red coach line under the chrome-plated side strips. These and all the other chrome brightwork show in good order too.

The Double-Six sits on 15-inch chrome-plated steel wheels, fitted with chromed and D-monogrammed hubcaps. All the wheels look well presented and have recently been shod with Rapid P309 tyres.

On the Inside

The interior upholstery is understood to be Olive-coloured leather (code HDB), which leans more toward the brown than green but is pleasantly complemented by the more green than brown carpeting.

The seats have a beautiful patina and light creasing, as befits their age, with no undue wear or damage evident, except perhaps a slight looseness to the leather on the headrests. The almost unseen and now irreplaceable factory original carpets are largely in good order aside from wear and a little tear on the driver’s footwell - roughly where your redundant left foot would rest.

Up front, the padded dash top is covered in black vinyl and the instrument panel and fascia trimmed with a cherry-lacquered wood veneer. There are a few cracks here and there, more so on the glove compartment door, but it is still a pleasing contrast to the black and brown, and sets off the Smiths gauges nicely.

The stereo in the centre console is a Philips AC860 radio and cassette player - one of the seven different units originally offered to UK buyers by the Browns Lane factory.

Underneath

No one ever said that Jaguar’s V12 was a thing of beauty to behold - unless you’re a plumber maybe. The writhing mass of serpentine pipework and HT leads sitting between the heads does make it look rather untidy, but it is what it is and this one starts well and runs as smooth as a sewing machine - albeit one producing enough torque to make the whole car twitch when revved.

In case you’re wondering what the strange orange bloom is here and there around the car - and particularly in the engine bay - it is apparently the residue from some kind of rust inhibitor spray treatment.

The undersides and wheel arches look to have been treated with a liberal coating of Waxoyl/underseal to most surfaces and components. The twin exhaust appears to be stainless at the rear and is in good condition.

The inside of the large boot is lined and carpeted in black nylon fabric. A small tool roll is present and underneath the floorboard is a full-size spare wheel, fitted with older Avon rubber.

Interested bidders are encouraged to scrutinise the detailed photos to satisfy themselves of the car’s condition - or, better yet, arrange a personal inspection at our Oxfordshire HQ by using the ‘Contact Seller’ option.

History Highlights

The Double-Six Coupé has a current MOT, valid until February 2024. Of course, as an historic vehicle, annual testing isn’t mandated but we always like to see classics consigned with an independent assessment of roadworthiness.

There are a few recent invoices for parts, but the main history file for this Daimler was reportedly getting on for two inches thick, now sadly is missing. Should it resurface, it will be forwarded to the new owner.

The vendor’s business recently carried out a full refurbishment of the suspension with new springs, shock absorbers and ball joints. The brakes have also been done, reconditioning the rear callipers and fitting new discs and pads, pipework and fluid. The rear differential has also been upgraded to a later 2.88 Powr-Lok unit with an aluminium cover. This ratio improves performance and also has better cooling.

The engine has also been serviced - plugs, oil and oil filter, a new thermostat and four new tyres.

The Daimler also comes with an owner’s handbook.