Lot 236: 1985 Daimler Double Six Saloon

The "Series III" XJ and Daimler saloons were introduced in 1979, and as the last development of Jaguar / Dainmler top of the range saloon it was the most luxsurious. Redesigned by Pinnfarina, the car incorporated a few subtle changes. The long-wheelbase platform had three engine variants including the 5.3 litre V12, the 4.2 litre inline 6 and 3.4 litre inline 6 cylinder units. The V12 and the 4.2 litre engines incorporated Lucas licensed Bosch fuel injection systems while the smaller 3.4 litre 6 cylinder continued to use carburetors. The Daimler badged cars had always been the top of the range and were marketed as the ultimate in luxuary saloon cars. Under the guidence of John Eagon Jaguar began a massive effort to modernise production and make the company profitable again, in doing so a new export drive was initiated and the US was bombarded with Jaguar and Daimler saloons, where they were held in higher regard than both Rolls Royce and Bentley. The last Series III XJ with a six-cylinder engine was produced in 1987, while the production of the Series III XJ V12 continued until the early 1990's. In total some 132,952 Series III cars were built, 10,500 with the V12 engine. This example has had the benifit of being professionally stored at Storacar in Newport pagnall, where over their watchfall eye it has remained in excellent order. Supplied by Stratstone Jaguar and built in 1985 it is finished in Westminster blue with a grey leather interior it has only covered some 20,700 miles. Fitted with cruise control, sunroof, air conditioning and fog lamps, it is in truley time warp condition. A superb car to drive it must be one of the lowest mileage examples currently on offer.