Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Rare top-of-the-line model
Serviced regularly at main dealers and specialists
Distinctive two-tone paintwork

The Appeal

For scholars and admirers of Jaguar’s history, the all-aluminium X350-series XJ is the last classically correct Jaguar before the brand’s aesthetic was overhauled for the 21st century. For the luxury car market of the 2000s, though, such a visually nostalgic car either looked like a rebellion against new-world tastes or something a little old-hat. As such, this generation of XJ has been underrated by most since it launched and now represents a tremendous amount of (highly capable) car for the money.

This example goes one further than the XJ, though, being an exceedingly rare long-wheelbase (LWB) Daimler Super Eight model. Whilst it’s powered by the full-house XJR engine, a supercharged 4.2 V8 with 400 horsepower, it hides its startling pace under a perfectly tailored extra layer of grace and space.

The History and Paperwork

Three owners from new, owned by seller since September 2022
V5 present, MOT until October 2023
Nine service stamps from Stratstone Jaguar, two from Thomas & Beard Ltd.
Last serviced in October 2022 at Hanwells of London

The Interior

Cream leather interior with Daimler-exclusive upgrades
Black premium floor mats
Golden Daimler signature on dashboard

As the top-of-the-line model, there is little that this Super Eight’s interior doesn’t offer in terms of equipment and comfort enhancers. All five passengers are treated to sumptuous black-piped leather and immaculate wood trim wherever they look, the driver being able to enjoy the walnut-rimmed steering wheel and Daimler centre badge. The rear passengers in particular benefit from this example’s extended wheelbase as they can recline and relax all the more, dedicated second-row air conditioning console keeping the temperature just so.

The seller reports no faults with any of the equipment on board, only noting a small hole in the B-pillar’s upholstery where the seatbelt buckle rests, as well as light wrinkling on the driver’s side seat bolsters from normal use.

The Exterior

Two-tone 'Garnet' purple-over-silver
Premium 18” alloy wheels with Daimler ‘D’ centre badges
All brightwork and badging present and correct

This Super Eight is finished predominantly in silver, but the uppermost section is in a contrasting hue that appears black on a cloudy day but blooms into a deep, rich metallic purple when direct sunlight meets it. Visually toning-down the bonnet, roof and boot of the car serves to visually lower the profile of the whole vehicle at a glance as the eye is drawn to the bright silver below the ‘waistline’. This also serves to accentuate the length of the car when viewed from the side as the roof is not grabbing your attention (save for the chrome window surrounds).

The seller reports a very light, roughly 25mm blemish in the paint on a rear corner of the car, while the passenger-side rear wheel also has a very small amount of bubbling around the centre badge. Beyond those and a couple of little stone chips, this is an exterior in superb condition – thanks in no small part to its aluminium bodywork naturally resisting corrosion.

The Mechanics

Suspension and braking parts professionally replaced in Winter 2022
New tyres fitted all around
Factory spare wheel and toolkit under boot floor

A couple of months after purchasing the car and driving it all the way from London to the Isle of Skye, the seller saw fit to have some work done to refresh the car under its arches. This included a new steering rack, new brake discs and pads, a new air suspension compressor and a full set of new tyres. The upshot of this work is that the seller reports the Super Eight to be “extremely responsive” and they compare its turn of pace favourably to an F-Type V8 AWD they have also owned. The car has been serviced regularly throughout its life and drives like new.

Summary

If you are left jaded by the new car market or simply want to see how much car you can get for a fairly modest outlay then this Daimler Super Eight is a supreme way to get around, epitomising Jaguar’s ‘Grace, Space and Pace’ motto of old and adding the serious luxury kudos of the Daimler transformation to elevate it into its own stratosphere. Wherever in Britain you are, a drive home from the Scottish highlands in this finest blend of old world presentation and modern engineering would be both an adventure and a pleasure. As would every journey hence.

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.