Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1968 Daimler Sovereign
Registration No: WLD 762G
Chassis No: 1A33641BW
MOT: January 2025
Displaying a credible c. 63, 900 miles
Used frequently in current ownership
Benefitting from a recent service with attention paid to the brakes, suspension and fuel system
Fitted with wire wheels and recently re-chromed bumpers
Introduced in 1966, the Daimler Sovereign was a more luxurious version of the contemporaneous Jaguar 420. Differentiated from its sibling by means of a fluted radiator grille and a better standard of equipment, it otherwise shared the same monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round independent suspension, servo-assisted disc brakes and a detuned version (245bhp vs. 265bhp) of the Jaguar MkX's 4235cc DOHC straight-six engine. In many ways a testbed for the forthcoming Jaguar XJ6's styling and mechanical layout, the Daimler Sovereign remained in production until 1969 by which time some 5, 829 left and right-hand drive examples are thought to have been made. Among the rarest of the Browns Lane-designed Daimlers, the Sovereign is a highly underrated motorcar combining an elegant 1960s design with surprisingly modern road manners.
This Daimler Sovereign was registered new in October 1968. Believed to be finished in Old English White, the interior presents as very original and is finished in a complementing Blue. In recent ownership, ‘WLD’ has been used as a ‘regular driver’, along with a collection of other regularly used classic cars and motorcycles. Upon our visit the Damiler started up on the button and drove well having recently benefitted from a recent service with attention paid to the brakes, suspension and the fuel system. The service history suggests the displayed mileage of some 63, 978 miles is credible, with 60, 102 miles recorded up to 1990, with the car being laid-up in storage for a number of years afterwards.
Chrome wire wheels, recently re-chromed bumpers and raised silver on black number plates contribute to a smart appearance. Otherwise, cosmetically, the car suffers from a few bubbling spots on the bodywork and a dent on the nearside rear door, but otherwise, it appears very solid. The last MOT was carried out in January 2024 with the odometer reading 62, 974 miles and no advisories. Offered with a current V5C, 'WLD' would make a very useable classic that with a bit of attention to the bodywork, could be quickly improved upon.
