Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 13th October from 12pm
Auction 14th October, 2026 12:00
Location: Pavilion Gardens St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
Registration No: R395 KAX
Chassis No: SAJDKKNS3BP802980
MOT: T. B. A
One of just 100 Centenary examples, with 50 six-cylinder and 50 V12 examples
Supplied new to the British Government and used as an Embassy Car in Japan
Repatriated to the United Kingdom in 2019, and in current ownership since 2021
Just 75, 000 km on the odometer; the equivalent of c. 47, 000 miles
The Jaguar XJ Series and its Daimler counterparts were introduced in 1968. Some four years into production, a 12-cylinder XJ was offered for the first time, the Daimler version of which was dubbed the Double Six, thereby reviving the famous Daimler model name of the vintage era. Throughout the ’70s, Jaguar had been developing an all-new design to follow its graceful Series 1, 2 and 3 models. However, the launch was delayed, and it didn’t see the light of day until 1986. Even then the line-up didn’t include a 12-cylinder option—the engine bay apparently being too narrow to house a unit of V configuration. Ford solved the problem when they took over Jaguar-Daimler in 1989, and the new, silky-smooth 5. 3-litre (later six-litre) V12 cars finally came to market in 1993. The engines were mated to an equally new GM-based four-speed automatic transmission.
One of 100 produced in celebration of the 100th anniversary of British Daimler production (of which there were 50 six-cylinder and 50 V12 examples), the Centenary Edition was made with special features including chromed wheels, and electrically adjustable heated and reclining rear seats.
The Majestic Centenary Edition is one of the rarest, most graceful and most luxurious machines to emerge from Jaguar-Daimler in the post-Lyons era. This car, one of the 50 V12 specimens and one of the very last V12 Daimlers, is especially interesting and well-provenanced, having been supplied new to the British Government for use at the British Embassy in Japan. With such a rich and sumptuous interior, there could be no car better suited to ambassadorial transport, and the beautiful colour scheme—Titanium Mica paint with a Nimbus Grey interior—seems particularly fitting for a Government dignitary.
Having spent most of its life in Japan, the Daimler was imported and DVLA-registered in 2019, prior to being acquired by our vendor in 2021. Since then, it has only seen light use on local outings and Daimler club rallies, hence the odometer now shows just over 74, 600km (approx. 46, 360 miles). As such a well-preserved and historic example, it was the subject of a feature in a classic car magazine where it was compared against a Jaguar XJ40 and deemed the superior product. It will be driven to the sale from near York and is supplied with invoices, old MOTs and Japanese export documents.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
