Highlights

Opulent and desirable Vanden Plas model
Thousands spent recently
Series 3 with the E-Type quad-carburettor engine
Excellent bodywork and chassis condition
One of only 207 Series 2 Vanden Plas ever produced

The Appeal

Plushest of all the Series 2 Daimler and Jaguar XJs of the 70’s, the Vanden Plas stood tall above the rest with its endless opulence and its powerful 5.3-litre V12 power plant. The name “Vanden Plas” was used to signify the highest trim level; several decades earlier it had signified the products of the Belgian coachbuilding firm of the same name. The firm was purchased by the Austin Motor Company in 1946, and decades later the name became a badge of honour affixed to all manner of British Leyland and Austin-Rover products.

This handsome example, outfitted with the same engine and gearbox as a Series 3 E-Type Jaguar, is presented to us in absolutely stunning condition both inside and out. Careful and loving custodianship has seen the years be gentle to this opulent saloon, with thousands spent recently on critical maintenance items such as carburettor rebuilding and balancing.

The History and Paperwork

Ireland registration certificate present
Originally a British vehicle, brought over to Ireland by the previous keeper
V5 registration document of the previous British owner
Old MOT certificates are present with the vehicle from its time spent in England
Tax disc from 1996 remains with the car
Invoices from recent mechanical work undertaken by the current keeper
Waxoyl certification from its treatment in 1995 from Before ‘N’ After Prestige
The owner states there isn’t a lot of previous history paperwork from before his ownership, however states it remains in excellent health
Around 2,000 euros spent on maintenance for the carburettors last year

The Interior

Entirely original with charming patina
Leather upholstery front seats presented well for their age, of course some signs of age and wear on the driver side with colour transfer and chafing on the outside bolster. The passenger front seat is presented in nicer condition, still with some signs of age
Original steering wheel present with some blemishes noticed on the outer rim as to be expected, and the centre plastics with the Daimler badge appears to be presented nicely
Gauge cluster shows some patina on the gauge surrounds, the owner states that the oil pressure gauge can be temperamental however the remaining ones function just fine
Dashboard appears nicely kept with no signs of cracks or damage, and the wooden facia appears lovely
Centre console switchgear remains in good shape and all remain functional, the original Stereo 8 Radiomobile is reported to be in good order
Original floor carpets show some hints of age, no rips or tears are noticed here however
Rear seats remain in excellent shape, with just some light patina. Carpets back here are in fantastic shape
Door cards are all well maintained, te leather work appears undamaged and the wood well polished
Headlining is reported to be in great condition with no sagging
Boot carpets are well kept with the spare wheel present underneath

The Exterior

Lovely paintwork and bodywork, the vehicle was resprayed approximately 10 years ago, seemingly in great condition with factory fitting panel gaps. Paintwork shows some small blemishes as to be expected
Some very small paint bubbles appearing low down behind the front passenger side wheel and some small blemishes on the driver side. Small rust areas noticed just in front of the driver side rear wheel above the sills
Deep scratch on the passenger side rear quarter just above the line of brightwork trim
Brightwork throughout appears to be very well maintained with the normal signs of age
Headlamps look to be free of any damage and are reported to be operational, the same can be said about the rear lamps, too
Original vinyl roof, a trademark of the Vanden Plas, appears to be in excellent condition with no rips or tears and good stitching
All four arches appear to be free from any corrosion
Original wheels present with lovely brightwork and some signs of age, some minor paint chips noticed on the black painted portions and some corrosion on the faces
Rear of the vehicle retains the original model designations with great brightwork, some small dents seen on the rear bumper bar but nothing immediately noticeable

The Mechanics

5,343cc V12 petrol engine, reported to be in excellent running order with no known mechanical problems
Four carburettors have recently been rebuilt and balanced last year at the expense of around 2,000 euros
Borg-Warner Model 12 Automatic transmission in great health, changing gears swiftly and smoothly with no unwelcome crunches between gears. The owner tells us the gearbox seal had been replaced by a previous owner
Rear-wheel drive configuration
Fully independent suspension with anti-dive geometry allowing for a comfortable and reasonably well planted experience
Servo-assisted disc brakes, slowing the heavy and powerful yacht without much trouble
Power steering pump has very recently been refurbished by a specialist at the expense of 800 euros
A new stainless steel backbox has been installed on the vehicle

Summary

A Double Six is a rare car in and of itself, but a Vanden Plas is something much, much more special. The best of the best, opulence of the highest order is expected under the VDP nameplate, and that’s exactly what you get when you step foot inside this luxurious land yacht.

Presented in handsome condition with some charming and welcome patina, this would make a fantastic addition to anyone's fleet of luxurious classics.

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:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.,