Highlights
- Comprehensive body restoration and respray in 2025
- Interior restoration in 2021 with custom-matched original color
- Extensive documented history with maintenance records dating back to 2010
- From the private collection of a French diplomat
- Technical inspection renewed August 2025 with no faults
The Appeal
Jaguar’s decision to design the XJ40 so that it could not take a V8, likely to prevent use of the Rover engine, meant that the V12 Jaguar XJ Series 3 lived on. But then, perhaps it would always have endured despite the new car because Pininfarina’s late 70s makeover was so effective.
As you can see from this beautiful black over cream Daimler Double Six. It is a very smart example thanks to a 2025 bodywork renovation and respray and an interior restoration in 2021. It is factory standard and unmodified, sitting on its classic ‘pepperpots’ with chromework gleaming against the black paint.
Just 1,159 Double Six Series 3 cars were built. These were the vastly elevated XJ models with higher quality interiors and more luxury fittings. This low mileage example has been in the private collection of a French diplomat for some years. He has clearly cherished it. The investment has not been limited to the structure and cosmetics. The vendor has provided an extensive list of maintenance dating back to 2010. The ultra-smooth V12 is reported to be in good order and the GM 3-speed gearbox changes smoothly. The result of all that work is a reassuringly clean Technical inspection that was renewed in August 2025.
The final V12 version of the XJ saloon is one of the best saloon cars ever built. This car looks like one of the best of the handful of remaining examples.
The vendor says:
"The car drives, brakes, turns and changes gears smoothly. Its powerful engine runs smoothly as well. It has covered approximately 2,000 miles since it was purchased in June 2021, an average of about 500 miles/year. The woodwork is in overall good condition, with some signs of wear. The underbody and bodywork are in excellent condition with no corrosion. The sunroof operates perfectly. The paintwork is new".
“The vehicle comes with a comprehensive file of restoration photos and invoices dating back to January 2010, reflecting constant investment in the maintenance of this vehicle.
“The Histovec report (available) shows a steady and continuous increase in mileage over the years, with no anomalies.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered on 19/02/1986 in France
- Current keeper acquired car in June 2021
- Clean Technical inspection renewed August 2025
- Extensive history file of restoration photos and invoices
- We are told the history file dates back to January 2010
- Histovec report supports mileage and shows no issues we are told
- French registration documents
- Chassis number: SADDDRLW4CC446019
Maintenance highlights:
August 2025:
- Paintwork polished
- Technical inspection renewed with no faults
- New fuel tank supply valve at the pump outlet
July 2025:
- New air conditioning compressor
- Accessory belts for compressor, fan, and power steering
- Alternator belt had already been replaced
2024-2025: Vehicle body restoration (bodywork and paintwork):
- New front cross member
- Any bodywork corrosion replaced with new parts
- New front/rear windshield bays
- Sunroof refurbished
- Bumpers replaced
- Floor straightening
- New paintwork on the entire body
- Respray included removal of all body parts except the engine bay
August 2022:
- New air conditioning compressor and accessory belts
- Air conditioning hoses and seals
June 24, 2022:
- Oil change (Castrol GTX UltraClean 10W40 oil)
- Polishing
November 12, 2021:
- Replacement of the battery (62 Ah)
10th September 2021:
- Refurbishment of the upholstery in the original custom colour by VALMOUR
- Colour based on a sample of intact leather taken from under the rear seat
- Application of SAPHIR renovating pigment cream
- New air conditioning dehydrator
29th September 2021:
- New front cross member (replaced during body restoration)
August 2021:
- Engine oil change
- Oil filter replacement
14th May 2021:
- Passed technical inspection (vehicle sold to current owner) (136,309 miles)
6th January 2020:
- Passed technical inspection (132,987 miles)
9th May 2018:
- Installation of a battery cut-off switch
4th May 2018:
- New air conditioning/heating module
- New stainless steel exhaust system
- Replaced air filter
- New tires and wheel alignment
- Replaced rack and pinion bellows
- Tightened gearbox and engine casings
3rd October 2017:
- Replacement of 12 spark plugs
18th October 2016:
- Repair of the speedometer
30th September 2016:
- New non-return valves on the two tanks
- Tank switch
- Replaced three tank valves
29th January 2016:
- Technical inspection passed with no faults (116,639 miles)
January 2016:
- Parking brake tightened
- Rear right steering ball joint replaced
- Front tires replaced
25th January 2016:
- Technical inspection failed (re-inspection required) (116,622 miles)
27th August 2015:
- Replacement of bulbs
- New ignition head
- Replacement window lift button
- Fresh coolant
- Check wiring harnesses
- Clean of connectors
25th March 2015:
- Handbrake adjustment
13th February 2015:
- Installation of sun visor and radio brackets
4th June 2014:
- Alternator repair
May 2014:
- Engine oil change
- Oil filter replaced
25th February 2014:
- Air conditioning repair
- 12 spark plugs
- New wiring harness
- Hatch release selector
- Alternator belt
- Turn signal bulb
17th February 2014:
- Passed technical inspection (108,282 miles)
29th July 2013:
- Replacement of 12 spark plugs
28th March 2013:
- New fuel pump relay
- New heater valve
- Replacement Ignition head
- New front and rear silent blocks
- Repair of windshield bay (bodywork and paint)
- Oil changes
18th November 2011:
- Passed technical inspection (100,233 miles) (vehicle sold) (98,368 miles)
12th July 2011:
- Replacement of 4 accessory belts (compressor, fan, power steering, and alternator)
1st July 2010:
- New air conditioning dehydrator
- Air conditioning gas recharge (R416)
The vendor says:
“This car belongs to the private collection of a French diplomat, neighbor of a well known collector, from whom he acquired the first three cars in his collection, which will eventually number around twenty. All the cars have been stored in closed, monitored garages and have been regularly maintained (servicing, repairs, polishing).”
