1985 JAGUAR XJ

By Royal Appointment:

Jaguar has always held a special place in British culture, from government ministers to the infamous Kray twins. Even Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II drove Double-Sixes in the '80s and early '90s, and the car was a fixture in news footage of that era, symbolizing understated British luxury. More subtle than a Rolls Royce, the Daimler Double Six was the connoisseur's choice.

Engine:

When launched, the Jaguar XJ upon which the Daimler Double-Six we see here is based, was available with a 3.4 litre manual, or a 4.2 litre, with most owners opting for an automatic transmission. By 1983, the Jaguar range received a shake-up, with the ‘Sovereign’ title being stripped from the Daimler brand and becoming the de facto luxury option for the 4.2 XJ. In its place, the new top of the line model would be the Daimler badged ‘Double-Six’, a name that had not been used since 1938.

This decision came from Jaguar's new chairman FRW ‘Lofty’ England. Lofty had a long past with the Daimler name, having served his apprenticeship with the coach-builders from 1927 to 1932, even taking second place in the first RAC Rally in 1932 at the wheel of a Double-Six.

The 1983 Daimler Double-Six would use Jaguar's 5.3 litre V12 first seen in the 1971 Jaguar E-Type. By 1975 the E-Type’s four carburettors had been left on the shelf and the engine updated with electronic ignition and fuel injection which increased both reliability, economy and power. With fuel injection, the 5.3 litre jumped from around 270bhp to a respectable 292bhp and 298 N·m of torque, and when mated to a robust General Motors TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, enabled the ‘Six to pull from 20mph all the way to 140mph in third gear!

Fuel economy is as expected from a 5.3 litre V12. While some engines carry the ‘HE’ (High Efficiency) moniker, MPG returns are not going to be a topic of conversation you’ll want to chime into, but offer a perfect opportunity to nip to the bar for a vodka and tonic. After all, there’s a reason the Double-Six has double the fuel tanks!

Ride & Respectability:

The Double-Six was an immensely expensive vehicle in 1985 with forecourt prices around £43,000, approximately £134,000 in today’s money. The choice carriage of the Royal Family and self-made businessmen who wanted power, elegance and above all else, comfort. The Double-Six doubled down on creature comforts, with individual rear seats, an abundance of fine wood trim, cruise control, air conditioning and electric front seats and windows.

‘Grace, space and pace’ are in the very fabric of this Daimler’s DNA. Ride comfort remains unrivalled by all but the likes of Rolls-Royce, such is the quality of the suspension that the Double-Six can remain level whilst cornering at 60mph.

This Car:

Supplied new in 1985 by Hares Group Ltd in Rustington (Sussex), this ‘Six was maintained by Hares for much of its life until 2010 where it made the long drive north to Scotland and later Huddersfield.

Presented in a deep Bordeaux Red and still on the original Daimler 15” alloy wheels. The interior is truly a testament to its low mileage and previous owners' care, with almost no evidence of wear to the driver's seat or evidence of passengers in the rear seats.

Now 40 years on, it has made the journey home to Sussex where it has been in the good hands of our friend Kevin. In Kevin's vigilant care, it has enjoyed a full mechanical overhaul with us at Hero Motor Company, including:

New oil filter and oil

New uprated starter motor

Gearbox oil filter and transmission fluid

New shock absorbers on all corners

Replace all timing and drive belts

New anti-rollbar bushes

New brake hoses

Change differential oil

New spark plugs

Update and refresh Air Con system

Replace Coolant level switch

Replace all fuel injector seals

Replace Cam cover gaskets

Flush coolant system and replace thermostat

Replace Fuel Filter.

This programme of mechanical work ensures that the new custodian of this Double-Six can enjoy true turn-key reliability (without the Arthur Daley guarantee required!)

Pre-Delivery:

Before handover to the new owner, the Daimler will pass through the workshop for PDI, final checks and a new MOT.

With the car is a very thorough document file, spare keys, tools, original service wallet containing all manuals, additional handbooks and workshop manuals and fully stamped service book.

Our Thoughts:

Those who live life at their own pace would be hard pressed to purchase a finer gentleman’s conveyance than the Daimler Double-Six, a machine birthed of pure charm and sophistication. When you’re behind the wheel of a Daimler Double-Six, the world is your lobster.

Full Specification:

1985 Daimler Double-Six

Date of First Production: 17/04/1985

Date of First Registration: 17/04/1985

8 Previous Owners

33,700 miles

5343cc

5.4 litre V12

3-Speed Automatic

Bordeaux Red

Cream Leather Interior

Walnut Interior Trim

15” Alloy Wheels

Electric Windows

Electric Sunroof

Rear Passenger Ready Lights