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Daimler Sovereign 4. 2 Auto 2 door saloon – Barnato Green (Bentley) – 1975 – 1, 000 miles – 4 owners – new Passport to Service – history to be made
Like so many classic cars where owners didn’t appreciate the importance of documentation, the paperwork that provides the interesting life story of this particular Daimler Sovereign 4. 2 Auto two door saloon has been lost. Having known the car for at least 7 years, we are very aware that there was extensive files detailing all manner of information but sadly this is now missing. Even the brand new Passport to Service supplied with the car after its complete Miles Classic restoration in 2016 is no longer with the car.
What we do have is the V5 and this is an extremely important document especially in this case, as it identifies this Coupe as the second of its type to leave the Browns Lane factory in 1975. With the Daimler 4. 2 Coupe line starting at 2H1001, JYF 700N is recorded as 2H1002, which could easily make it the earliest remaining 4. 2 Daimler Coupe on the road today.
This coupe came to Miles Classic in 2015 and although it was not destined for a full restoration initially, as the project progressed, the owner kept upping the specification until it eventually turned into a complete ground up nut and bolt renewal.
In the end we removed, replaced or reconditioned every part, panel, bush, shim, nut and bolt – attending to the mechanicals, suspension, brakes, steering, chassis, bodywork, glass, seals, chrome and trim; and including a full glass out repaint and new parts rebuild of the engine and gearbox.
Wherever possible, new original components were used, where original look but improved performance components were available they have been used to present a better than new finish, and where components are no longer available the very best restored parts have been utilised.
Finished in the owners personal choice of Bentley Barnato Green and wonderful full green leather interior, the car is quite something indeed. Admittedly, not to everyone’s taste, the colour combination is striking and attracts attention and different opinions wherever it is seen.
Probably the most impressive aspect of the car is its current pristine condition. Having changed hands a couple of times since the restoration, the car has travelled just over 1000 miles and has been in a private collection inside a heated modern unit for the last 4 years. In that time we have seen the car often, servicing, providing MOTs and tackling any issues the fastidious owner required us to do to keep it as new.
Having the car in the workshop now to sell on behalf of the owner – who has just taken delivery of a six figure XJC restoration which makes this particular car surplus to requirements – I have take the opportunity to use it as a daily dry day drive and it is just wonderful. The interior is sublime, comfortable and very quiet for this pillarless set-up, everything works as it should. It has the aftermarket choke kit fitted and whilst not our favourite addition, it does work perfectly with car starting and running from cold without missing a beat. Once warm, the car goes, drives, handles, changes gear and stops perfectly. There is simply nothing to criticise and it is ready to use from a trip to the shops or a tour of Europe – you choose.
Having been given a level of attention to detail, fit and finish usually reserved for E-types or more exotic classic cars, this is a very rare opportunity to own what we think is not only one of the best and effectively brand new Daimler Sovereign 4. 2 Auto 2 door saloon available anywhere – but a hugely important piece of Jaguar heritage.
