1973 Daimler XJ6 4.2 Sovereign Registration Number: PLC 771...

Estimate

£10,000 - £12,000

1973 Daimler XJ6 4.2 Sovereign

Registration Number: PLC 771L
Chassis Number: 1U11431BW
Recorded Mileage: 75,500 miles

Introduced in 1968 as Jaguar sought to consolidate its contemporary saloon portfolio, from 1970, the XJ became the marque’s flagship four-door car and the earliest version of the saloon, later known as the Series I, would be the final Big Cat design overseen by company founder, Sir William Lyons. The Daimler Sovereign derivative was introduced a year later as a replacement for the Sovereign 420. Externally virtually identical to its Jaguar sibling, apart from a fluted radiator grille and Daimler badging, the new Sovereign was initially offered with the choice of a 2.8 or 4.2-litre version of the ubiquitous XK engine. The output of the latter was 245bhp at 5,500rpm, sufficient to waft the luxurious new Saloon to 60mph in a very creditable 8.8 seconds and on to a top speed of around 125mph. The monocoque body featured fully independent suspension, while braking was by power discs all-round and steering by an Adwest power-assisted rack and pinion system. The XJ line received a facelift in Autumn 1973 for the 1974 model year, thereafter known as the Series II; retrospectively the earlier cars were referred to as the Series I. 

Now a rare variant, this short wheel base Daimler Sovereign was first registered to London in May 1973. The Dark Blue paintwork presents well, the trim is excellent, and the tan leather interior has been retrimmed. We understand the Daimler drives well, with good oil pressure, an even engine temperature, smooth suspension. The Daimler has in the past benefited from a reconditioned steering rack, new track rod ends, new rear wheel bearings and localised repairs to the front and rear near side inner wings (at around 71,000 miles). The Daimler was last serviced in June 2024 at 75,500 miles, with only an nominal mileage since. Attractive, rare, comfortable, and with plenty of smooth power on tap, there is a lot to love about this groundbreaking classic.