Manufactured by Jaguar Cars, the luxurious Daimler Sovereign was produced between 1966 and 1983 and was based on the Jaguar XJ body shell, chassis and engines. The very first Daimler Sovereign was based on the 1966 Jaguar 420 and subsequent Sovereigns followed in the tyre tracks of the Jaguar Series I, II and III XJ6 models.

A choice of engines were offered from a 2.8 litre, 4.2 litre and later 5.3 litre V12. The 1973 Series II

short wheel base (as we have here) was only manufactured for one year and encompassed the Series II revised dash and modifications including side impact protection and a raised front bumper addressing the demands of the lucrative U.S. market. From late 1974 the SWB was reserved for the XJC coupes.  

This beautiful Daimler Sovereign was first registered on the 1st April 1974 and although early history has been lost in time, we do know that the founder of the Daimler Enthusiasts Club owned this example until 2002 so we may assume that it was well cared for then. It appears that the subsequent owner then kept it on the road until 2008 when the last recorded MOT expired.

It seems that this lovely car was then stored until the current registered keeper (the vendor’s friend) purchased it on the 3rd August 2021. The vendor has confirmed that he now owns the car and has permission from his friend to sell it.

The only only physical paperwork available is two V5 documents, the most current indicating five former keepers. The tax runs until 1st August 2022.

One previous MOT is available to view online from April 2007 when the recorded mileage was 62,947. As it is now showing just 63,062, this Daimler had clearly not been driven for some time. There were a couple of advisories back then - ‘rear brake grabbing slightly’ and ‘drive shaft which forms part of the suspension slightly corroded’.

The quintessential British luxury cabin is bathed in leather and polished veneer, as you would expect. The deep foam leather upholstery is in remarkable condition other than a small area of wear in the usual place on the drivers seat (see photo). The tasteful and complimentary black/dark blue door-cards are very good along with the dark blue carpeting. The roof lining has a few indentations, but is acceptable.  

Sitting in the extremely sumptuous drivers seat, before you is the classic Daimler steering wheel, dashboard, instrumentation and switchgear, which is all very tidy and undamaged, and with a little detailing, could come up virtually like new. Aside from the usual Smiths gauges, other features include an adjustable steering wheel, electric windows (which do operate, although a little slow), clock, original looking ‘Motoradio’ radio and heated rear window. The vendor assures us that everything electrical functions.

The carpeted boot space is clean and tidy and houses a tool kit and the spare wheel. 

Overall this super-sleek Sovereign is very presentable in it’s fresh ‘silver grey’ coachwork. The vendor informs us that he arranged a sympathetic repaint a few months ago because the Lacquer was peeling. The front and rear screens were removed and new rubbers have been fitted. He also tells us that there is no evidence of previous welding work and none was required prior to the recent external respray.

Certainly the principal problem areas such as around the front and rear screens, around the headlights, door bottoms, sills, and in particular, the rear wheel arch structures appear in good order. The front and rear valances are painted with stone chip paint and are perhaps not quite to the same standard as the rest of the paintwork. Importantly, however, the underside has a good coating of older looking under seal and looks very clean and structurally sound. 

Most of the chrome work has an acceptable patina, although the bumper overriders display some surface rust and the rear ones have a few dings (see photos). The nearside door handles have some visible pitting and the wing mirrors could be better. The dual lockable fuel filler caps are fine as are all the windows and Lucas lighting.  

  

The black vinyl roof tops this Daimler of a treat and is in really good condition. The original steel wheels, chrome hub caps and Beauty rings are showing their age but are shod with new 205/70R15 tyres.  

The Daimler is all about relaxed cruising. The strong 4,235cc six-cylinder DOHC should treat you to an ultra-smooth and quiet ride with plenty of performance on tap. The 4.2 is arguably the best all round power-plant option with 180bhp and a top speed of around 120mph. The original twin SU HS8 carburettors are in situ and the 3-speed Borg Warner automatic box should offer seamless gear changes, and with the power steering and servo-assisted brakes, driving this classic saloon ought to be a breeze.

  

During the last six months or so the vendor has carried out some re-commissioning and attended to servicing requirements such as an oil, filters and spark plug change. He has also installed two new fuel tanks, stainless steel exhaust and four new tyres. He assures us that the engine has good oil pressure of at least 40psi when warm and the water temperature is fine, and adds that it

“drives nice and the brakes pull up straight”. We didn’t detect any nasty exhaust smoke during the photoshoot.

The Daimler I.D. plates still reside on the nearside inner-wing with numbers matching the V5.

The Daimler Sovereign is an elegant and refined class act and definitely worth considering. 49 years on, this extremely low mileage XK derived 4.2 litre engine is probably the best all rounder for everyday use and is likely to be just as smooth as it ever was.

A regular sight on British roads in the 1970’s and 80’s, we’ve tended to forget how good they were - and still are, and being a short wheel base model you probably won’t see many others on your travels now. Fantastic club support and parts and servicing specialists are out there nowadays making this classic Daimler extremely easy to live with and a great potential investment too - It really is the perfect British saloon car.