Lot details Registration No: SHC899S Chassis No: 2F-1255BW Mot Expiry: Feb 2012
Introduced in 1968, the Jaguar XJ Series and its Daimler counterparts were the last saloons to enjoy the personal input of Jaguar's founder, Sir William Lyons. Some four years into production a 12-cylinder XJ was offered for the first time, the Daimler version of which was dubbed the Double-Six, thereby reviving the famous Daimler model name of the vintage era. A striking two-door pillarless Coupe derivative was shown at the 1973 London Motor Show. However, production was delayed - eventually commencing at the end of 1974. The Coupe was based on the short wheelbase Saloon and featured suitably lengthened versions of the standard car's doors. All examples left the factory with a vinyl covered roof, though these have subsequently been removed from some of the surviving cars. There were two engine options - a 4.2-litre version of the ubiquitous straight-six DOHC XK unit and the 5.3-litre V12 that produced some 285bhp at 5,750rpm. This was sufficient to whisk the smoothly sprung Coupe to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and onto a top speed of around 150 mph. The engine was mated to an automatic gearbox - initially the Borg Warner Model 12, later replaced by the GM Model 400 Hydramatic unit. Suspension was independent all round with wishbones and coil springs at the front and wishbones, radius arms and coil springs at the rear. Braking was by discs all round and steering by rack and pinion. A total of 10,426 Coupes were produced before production ceased in 1978, just 372 of which were righthand drive Daimler Double-Sixes.
The right-hand drive Coupe being sold is a 1978 example finished in Blue with contrasting Beige leather interior. This pretty looking Daimler comes complete with a period-correct vinyl roof and later-style alloy wheels. Unusually, it has been converted to run on LPG as well as petrol. The vendor regards the bodywork and paintwork as "immaculate", the interior trim as "very good" and the engine as "excellent". The only noted defect is the current lack of rear covers for the door mirrors. Though untaxed, 'SHC 899S' is MOT'd into February next year. A rare car, made even rarer by its ability to run on LPG.
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