Lot 002: 1967 DAIMLER SOVEREIGN 4.2

Introduced in 1966, the Daimler Sovereign was a more luxurious version of the contemporaneous Jaguar 420. Differentiated from its badge-engineered sibling by means of a different grille and better standard equipment, it otherwise shared the same four-door monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round independent coil-sprung suspension, 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 are thought to have been made. Among the rarest of the Browns Lane designed Daimlers, the Sovereign is a highly underrated motorcar. Finished in grey with red leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork and paintwork (while, he rates the interior trim and wheels / tyres as "good"). Reportedly "a well known club member's car with past concours wins" to its credit, 'PLB 873E' is said to be "in daily use". The subject of a restoration during which its "inner / outer sills, front / rear valances and door bottoms" were replaced, the Sovereign is further understood to have benefited from a respray and suspension refurbishment. While, more recent work has apparently seen its carburettors and petrol tanks overhauled. Riding on steel wheels and sporting a stainless steel exhaust, this nicely presented Daimler is offered for sale with "full tools and history / bills from new". PLEASE NOTE: This lot is accompanied by partial history.