1990 Daimler Sovereign 4L (XJ40)

Highlights

  • A low mileage, right hand drive example of the luxurious Daimler
  • Reimported from the salt free road of Japan and with 1 UK owner
  • In a rare and distinguished colourway of Jaguar Racing Green over Mulberry leather

The Appeal

In 1986 the long-serving XJ6 Series III was joined by the new XJ40. The curvaceous Series III was contrasted by the bluff sided and more angular XJ40. The new car offered significantly more advanced underpinnings without sacrificing the brand’s traditional attributes and hence buyers.

Our example is the more luxurious and better equipped Daimler iteration. Mechanically identical to its Jaguar brethren but focused more on comfort and prestige rather than serving up any sporting pretentions. Our example features the later 4L version of the AJ6 engine and has enjoyed a lightly used life, predominantly on the salt free roads of Japan.

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The History and Paperwork

  • This Daimler 4.0 is a 1990 car which was supplied to Japan from new
  • The car was lightly used and seemingly well cared for there
  • The car was re-imported to the UK in 2018 
  • Since then, the car has done only a few hundred kilometres having been dry stored
  • There is minimal paperwork with the car
  • The current V5 is present in the name of the owner
  • The online MOT history shows an advisory free MOT currently in place
  • This is valid until September 2023

The Interior

  • Our car features a delightful, luxurious and period correct interior
  • The seats, door cards and lower dash are finished in Mulberry leather
  • The seats are deeply box pleated for additional comfort and support
  • The front seats are electrically operated and heated
  • The condition of the seats, both front and rear, can be considered excellent
  • The back of the front seats features pockets and reading lights
  • The seat backs are also inlaid with burr walnut panel
  • The rear seats are separated by a lidded storage cubby
  • The folding arm rest also features a lidded storage area
  • The dash is fronted by generous panels of burr walnut veneer
  • This also extends down into the centre console
  • This is home to heater controls and Sony multichanger head unit
  • The familiar “J-gate” gear selector is also found here
  • A sporty wood rimmed steering wheel is fitted and suits the car
  • The door cards are leather dressed and capped with walnut veneer
  • The capacious boot is trimmed with its original grey carpet
  • A full-sized alloy spare wheel is present and appears unused
  • The original Daimler attaché tool case is present
  • The Sony CD changer is housed here together with a supplemental amplifier

The Exterior

  • Our example is presented in its original Jaguar Racing Green paintwork
  • It appears to be in good order for the age of car with no significant faults noted
  • The Daimler seems to have benefitted from its life in salt free Japan
  • The car is fitted with a steel sliding electric sunroof
  • All other light lenses appear to be original and in good condition
  • The car rides on the correct 15-inch Daimler flush fronted alloy wheels
  • These are in a sound condition all round
  • These are fitted with a matching set of Falken Ziex ZE912 tyres
  • All tyres appear to exhibit good levels of tread
  • With its classic colourway and elegant lines, the Daimler offers bags of character



The Mechanics

  • Being a 1990 model, our car features the later 4L version of the AJ6 engine
  • This is a 24 valve, double overhead camshaft, six-cylinder unit 
  • In this configuration it was originally rated at 245bhp and 289 Ib-ft of torque
  • Power is routed to the rear wheels via a four-speed ZF 4HP24 automatic gearbox
  • Whilst our car’s maintenance history is not present it is understood to run well
  • It has an advisory free MOT and is a low mileage example at around 55,000 miles
  • Both the underside of the car and the under-bonnet presentation are good

Summary

The XJ40 Jaguars and Daimlers are increasing in popularity as good examples become scarce and buyers cotton on to the excellent value proposition these sublime saloons now represent. They are in that sweet spot of being modern enough to be viable daily drivers yet old enough to be a rare sight on today’s roads.

Our example builds on that cachet with an unusual and sophisticated colourway. The Cranberry finished interior really is a nice place to spend time and its condition is very hard to fault. Having come from the more benign driving environment of Japan, our car really belies its 33-year history and will, no doubt, represent a great ownership prospect for an enthusiast of big British luxury saloons.


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.*

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1990
  • Make Daimler
  • Model Daimler Sovereign 4L (XJ40)
  • Colour Green
  • Odometer 88,907 Kilometres
  • Engine size 3980
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Town Hemel Hempstead
  • Location Hertfordshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
25 bids
  • ph•••• £5,500 07/02/23
  • ch•••• £5,500 05/02/23
  • ph•••• £5,400 05/02/23
  • ch•••• £5,300 05/02/23
  • ph•••• £5,200 05/02/23
  • ch•••• £5,100 05/02/23
  • ph•••• £4,900 05/02/23
  • ch•••• £4,800 05/02/23
  • ph•••• £4,700 05/02/23
  • ch•••• £4,600 05/02/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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