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Highlights

Ex-Margaret Thatcher vehicle, later owned by her son Sir Mark Thatcher
One of the last models with the digital dashboard
One of the first with the uprated 4.0 AJ6 engine
Recently rebuilt cooling system and ZF automatic transmission
Rare navy Connolly hide interior with individual rear seats and picnic tables

The Appeal

This 1990 Daimler XJ40 4.0 Auto forms part of the carefully curated Blaauwbank collection that includes an eclectic mix of multi-generational cars, a selection of rare and interesting vehicles, carefully stored in purpose-built, climate-controlled dry storage hangars, located in the arid climate of Central South Africa.

The Daimler XJ40 was the final car developed under the guidance of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons, a man renowned for setting the benchmark in luxury executive vehicles. This 1990 example stands at a fascinating crossroads in the model's evolution, being one of the last to feature the distinctive digital dashboard while also benefiting from the more powerful 4.0-litre AJ6 engine.

What truly sets this Daimler apart, however, is its remarkable provenance: reportedly used by Margaret Thatcher during visits to her retreat in South Africa's Franschhoek Valley, before passing to her son Sir Mark Thatcher.

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History and Paperwork

First registered in 1990 and has a documented connection to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her son, Sir Mark Thatcher
The vehicle was reportedly used by Margaret Thatcher during visits to her retreat in the Franschhoek Valley, South Africa
Later owned by Sir Mark Thatcher before being sold by his solicitor
Odometer shows 160,290 km, which is believed by the vendor to be correct and reportedly supported by the vehicle's condition
Has been part of a carefully curated private collection in Central South Africa
Stored in a custom-built, dry facility away from coastal air

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The Condition

Navy Connolly hide interior appears in smart condition, with the leather described as still supple
Features luxury rear passenger accommodation with individual seats and picnic tables
Equipped with a sunroof, full climate control and audio system
Original alloy wheels have been upgraded to accept conventional Dunlop 16-inch tyres
Has been dry stored in a purpose-built facility in the arid central region of South Africa

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The Mechanics

4.0-litre AJ6 inline-six engine
Four-speed ZF 4HP automatic transmission with J Gate
The cooling system has been fully rebuilt, we are told
The ZF automatic transmission has also reportedly been fully rebuilt
One of the first models to receive the uprated 4.0 AJ6 engine
Original metric-sized Michelin TRX tyres have been replaced with conventional Dunlop 16-inch tyres

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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