1998 Daimler Super V8 LWB (X308)
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Highlights
- A three-owner example of the elegant Daimler Super V8, so beloved by captains of industry
- Featuring a full 17 stamps in its service book, from both Jaguar dealers and independents
- A real wolf in sheep’s clothing with its 370 bhp supercharged V8
The Appeal
Jaguar had enjoyed much success and many plaudits for its earlier X300 XJR saloon, allowing the brand to go head-to-head with the super-saloons from Mercedes Benz and BMW on equal terms for the first time. The range topping Daimler models of the X300 had to make do with the ageing V12 unit, however. When the X308 arrived in 1997, Jaguar decided to double-down on that success and up the ante still further.
The X308 Daimler Super V8, as presented here, replaced the X300’s Double Six predecessor’s V12 engine with Ford’s new AJ-V8 unit equipped with a big Eaton M112 supercharger sitting neatly in the “V” of the engine. This gave the Daimler Super V8 full supercar-eating credentials with 370bhp being good for a 0-60mph time of around 5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. This was combined with a long wheelbase, luxuriously appointed limousine body. Perfect for the CEO in a hurry.
The History and Paperwork
- Our car was registered in January 1998 and supplied via Guy Salmon Jaguar in Surrey
- The first owner was understood to have kept the car for around a year
- The second owner, however, enjoyed the car for a full twenty-two years
- The current owner acquired the car around 2 years ago
- There is a good level of paperwork included with this car
- The current V5 in the name of the current owner is on hand
- The original book pack is present including the original service book
- The latter documents a total of 17 services from dealers and independents
- Three original Jaguar keys are included, including the green master key
- The current MoT is present in hard copy and valid until February 2024
The Interior
- The Daimler name was reserved for the most luxurious and well-appointed Jaguars
- It is no surprise, then, that our car’s cabin is best described as “sumptuous”
- It is a sea of Sable leather and burr walnut veneer in here
- The front seats feature a ruched leather finish with double stitching and piping
- These are fully electrically adjustable and three stage heated
- The headrests feature embroidered Daimler “D” motifs
- Useful elasticated storage pockets adorn the leading edge of the seat bases
- In many ways, the rear cabin is more impressive still
- The extra 5 inches in the wheelbase is all reserved for the rear seat passengers
- As such the leg room is ample for all sizes of passenger
- The rear cabin is arranged into two individual seats separated by an armrest
- A centre panel contains controls for the electrically adjustable and heated rear seats
- Folding, burr walnut trays are fitted to the rear of the front seats
- Privacy can be ensured, when needed, by retractable window blinds in the rear
- Slate coloured ribbed, Berber style carpets are fitted throughout
- The original, fitted deep sheepskin rugs are in place both front and rear
- The dashboard is fronted by dark burr walnut veneer
- A full set of gauges sit behind the leather and wood, multi-function steering wheel
- The centre console contains controls for climate, sound and telephone
- The light headlining is in great shape and an electric glass sunroof is fitted
- The boot is well sized and shaped and is home to the fitted CD changer unit
- A full-sized spare wheel is housed under the boot floor
The Exterior
- This example is finished in classic British Racing Green
- The paintwork and body work appear to be in a very good condition
- The paint seems to exude a deep shine and panel gaps appear straight and true
- The exterior of the Super V8 exhibits plenty of Daimler specific touches
- This includes the fluted tops to the radiator grill and the boot trim piece
- The car sits on its original 17-inch “Solar” alloy wheels
- These are centred with Daimler “D” emblazoned caps
- One of these is currently missing but a new one (pictured) is included
- The wheels are fitted with a matching set of Hankook Ventus tyres
- These were fitted new in February 2023 at the last MoT
- All in all, the Super V8 evokes a very subtle road presence
- Little here gives clues to the innate power on offer by the Super V8
The Mechanics
- The Super V8 is fitted with the awesome supercharged AJ-V8 engine
- This supercharged beast was good for 370 bhp and 387 Ib-ft of torque
- Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a Mercedes Benz 5G-tronic gearbox
- Suspension is dynamic courtesy of "Computer Active Technology Suspension" (CATS)
- As we have seen the car has been regularly serviced throughout its history
- The most recent service was in its current ownership in May 2021 at 92,913 miles
- Additionally, the current owner has had other preventative maintenance undertaken
- This includes rust repairs to front wings, sill ends and jacking points
- The car has been undersealed and bonnet and bumper covers have been resprayed
- The supercharger has also had its oil replaced
- Under bonnet and underside presentation appears very good for the age of car
- The owner reports that the car “starts, runs and drives superbly”
Summary
The appeal of a sumptuously appointed big Daimler limousine with a 5-ish second 0-60mph time is explicit and apparent. The X308 Daimler Super V8 is a car that can do it all. Mix it with supercars if that’s your thing or whisk you and three friends away on a luxurious and comfortable continental road trip. Few cars can deliver such a broad set of skills wrapped in such a subtle but handsome looking package.
This is an unusually low owner example of the Daimler Super V8. It appears as if those owners have taken excellent care of their car. The current owner, especially, has taken care of some important preventative maintenance, too. For those looking for a highly accomplished British super-sports-saloon at an attainable price point then this car must offer a very tempting ownership proposition for you.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1998
- Make Daimler
- Model Super V8
- Colour Green
- Odometer 98,202 Miles
- Engine size 3996
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Dorking
- Location Surrey
- Country United Kingdom
24
bids
- CG•••• £6,100 29/03/23
- Lu•••• £6,000 29/03/23
- CG•••• £5,900 29/03/23
- Lu•••• £5,800 29/03/23
- CG•••• £5,700 29/03/23
- Lu•••• £5,600 29/03/23
- CG•••• £5,500 29/03/23
- Lu•••• £5,400 29/03/23
- CG•••• £5,300 29/03/23
- Lu•••• £5,200 29/03/23
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