Photos provided by the seller - seller advises the transmission is slipping so likely needs attention
HIGHLIGHTS
Recommissioned garage-find
Genuine 39,227 miles
Thousands spent on recommissioning
Looks and runs great
THE APPEAL
If you wanted to really make an impact in the 1970s then a Jaguar XJ was the way to do it. Vast, smooth, graceful and undeniably elegant, the big Jaguar saloon oozed class.
At the top of the range sat the Daimler Sovereign – leather trimmed with walnut veneers, it was one of the most luxurious cars of its day as well as a terrific car to drive.
There really aren’t many left – less than 20 still taxed according to DVLA data. This one has recently joined the ranks of survivors, having been discovered by the vendor in a dusty garage, having been laid-up since 1996. It spent more than half of its life in hibernation, but now it’s back, looking wonderful in its original Fern Grey (or olive green…) paintwork.
It has been subject to a massively expensive mechanical recommissioning in the past two years, but remains unrestored, having covered just over 39,200 miles from new.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Tax and MOT exempt
Old MOTs
Original buff logbook
Record of substantial recent works
Vendor is happy to arrange shipping of the car worldwide at buyer’s expense
Can ship to England or Scotland for around £300 on a transporter.
Much of the interior the is in excellent order and presents as almost like new - even the carpets. The seats are tan leather and specification includes power steering and electric windows (which all work). All the gauges work aside from the fuel gauge. The original radio, map light and interior lighting all work as they should.
The door cards and veneers are superb, the only minor snag being droopy headlining – a common XJ fault and not an insurmountable one to sort out.
The Daimler appears to be a very solid example above and underneath with only minor blemishes and a few age-related marks. The boot floors, sills and bottom of the doors are all in very good shape and the floors are excellent. The paint seems to be original and, despite a few age-related micro-blisters, it has a great shine and the glass is like new.
There is a little bit of bubbling on the lower nearside front wing but this could easily be repaired and is not structural. There is also a small indentation under the front bumper
The car would benefit from new chrome bumpers as the chrome has flaked off in places and there is some pitting, but the original polished wheels are excellent and are shod with nearly new tyres.
In the past two years, the vendor has spent thousands with well-known Jaguar specialist SNG Barratt and has fitted lots of new parts including a brand-new fuel tank, two new fuel pumps with return valves, a new stainless exhaust system, master cylinder, gear box mountings, carb repair kit (also had the carb cleaned in an ultra-sonic tank), callipers, brake discs and pads (front and rear), a handbrake pad set and brake hoses. Both tanks work perfectly and switch with no issues.
When he pulled the Daimler out of storage he also changed the head gasket as a precaution as it had been off the road for so long.
Since owning the car the vendor has covered around 300 - 400 miles and says it drives very well indeed. On a few occasions he reports that the transmission has slipped slightly when cold (only for a few seconds) so this needs bearing in mind.
For a 45-year-old car that has never been restored, this one is quite remarkable. It looks absolutely fantastic and if you felt inclined then it wouldn’t need a huge amount to take it up to concours condition.
It’s finished in a wonderfully period colour and has a lovely interior, while its road presence is something else. A fantastic opportunity to acquire one of the rarest (and nicest) XJ variants.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
1977 Daimler Sovereign LWB
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