Description
Introduced at the 1966 London Motor Show, the Daimler Sovereign (and its sibling Jaguar 420) were 'compact sporting saloons' produced for only two years before the arrival of the XJ6. Powered by the ubiquitous 4. 2-litre six-cylinder XK unit offering 245bhp at 5, 500rpm. In period, the Jaguar 420 was an 'executive express' with the style of the Mark 10 and the sporting credentials of the Mk 2. The Sovereign shared all of these qualities and was perceived as a little more 'up-market'.
The car was purchased in November 2019 and used a handful of times until October 2020, when the engine and transmission overhaul commenced.
Returned to the road in June 2023 after the refresh was completed. Work included:
- Engine overhaul: new piston rings, crankshaft and camshaft bearings, exhaust valves and guides, timing chains, gaskets and seals, head skimmed, cylinders honed, oil and coolant circuit cleaned
- Auto transmission overhaul: new seals and gasket, hydraulic system cleaned
- Steering box overhaul (power steering): new seals and gaskets and readjustments
- Interior restoration: seat leather recoloured, new door-cards hardboard
- New door and boot seals
- Front suspension: new ball joints rubber boots, new driver side track rod
- Fuel tanks and rigid pipes cleaned, tanks repainted on the outside, level sensors repaired. Electric fuel pumps contacts adjusted
- Service: new air and oil filters, spark plugs, ignition coil, HT leads, brake fluid, differential, engine and transmission oil, power steering fluid, coolant
Some paperwork from the previous owners (7 from new) are available. MOT passed on 20th Jan 2024 with no advisories.
Resprayed in the 80s, the paint is in average conditions, with some bubbles, scratches and imperfections here and there (see last 6 photos) but it still looks great after it's waxed. Very solid underbody.
The leather interior has been repaired and recoloured, although the original softness couldn't be completely brought back. New doorcards hardboard. Please note: the carpets are not the original ones.
Good oil pressure (25 psi at idle and 40 psi above 1000 rpm when the engine is hot) and no signs of overheating even when used in hot weather. The only bad point I'm aware of is that the starter motor drive pinion one-way clutch sometimes spins freely (I'd say 1 time out of 10). Stainless steel exhaust is as new.
The rear axle/ differential were overhauled by the previous owner.
All dashboard instruments and electrical equipment works. The original radio is still present but it's not connected, and a modern one installed in the glovebox (original glovebox housing available). Electric retractable aerial. Fuel level sensors repaired. Electric fuel pumps contacts adjusted. AccuSpark Red Sports Coil, new HT leads and Powerspark electronic ignition.
It's a pleasure to drive, and behind the wheel you don't feel it's a 57 years old car ! I'm selling it as I need space for my next project.
Feel free to message for any questions or you want to view the car (located in Coventry)
Sold as seen, no warranty given or implied
Bank transfer only - the car and documents will be handed over once the funds have cleared
Open to sensible offers
