1985 Daimler Double Six

Description

Recent service including new tyres, rear brake discs, radiator and battery; runs and drives; gearbox fault

Sharing its magnificent engine with the new V12 E-Type, the Jaguar XJ12 looked identical to its six-cylinder sister car, the XJ6, which must have surprised a few motorway drivers as it hurtled past. Launched in 1972, it was immediately voted the ‘Best Car in the World’, its astonishing pace, ride and refinement humbling even Rolls-Royce and it was the only mass-produced 12-cylinder saloon on the market.

An upmarket Daimler Double Six version was also available with more luxurious trim and improved sound-deadening. The Series 3 version ran from 1979 – 1992 and was far better built than the preceding S2, the styling also being subtly modernised by Pininfarina and the V12 gaining Bosch fuel injection. The ride quality and sheer silence of the Double Six are still as impressive today as they were at launch 50 years ago.

First registered in January 1985, this Double Six S3 looks most attractive in Cobalt Blue with a tan hide interior. Sadly there is very little history with the car but an invoice shows that it was sold by Howells of Cheltenham to a local restaurant owner in December 1987 for £17,950 when it had covered 31,268 miles. The service book shows that they serviced it twice: at 31,782 miles in December 1987 and at 38,950 miles in May 1988.

Our vendor (who is the 6^th owner) acquired the car via Brightwells in May 2021 when it had covered 109,350 miles. He serviced the car and replaced the rear brake discs and pads (a lengthy job that involves dropping the rear subframe), fitted a new high flow aluminium radiator, new battery and a new set of Toyo tyres, since when the car has only covered around 500 miles.

The gearbox then developed a fault – although it still runs and drives, the gearbox whines under acceleration. During the few miles our vendor covered in the car he was so smitten that he went out and bought another one, rather than trying to fix this one – hence its appearance in our sale.

On offer here at no reserve, the car has been starting instantly and running almost silently as we have moved it around on site, with good 60psi oil pressure. Yes, the transmission will need attention but once that is sorted you will have the pleasure of experiencing what was – and in some eyes still is – the Best Car in the World…

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com