1976 Daimler Double Six Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: SDM 50R
Chassis No: 2F1073BW
Mot Expiry: Aug 2011

The Jaguar XJ Series and its Daimler counterparts were introduced in 1968 and were the last saloons to have 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 DOHC XK unit and the 5.3-litre V12 that produced some 285bhp at 5,750 rpm. This was sufficient to whisk the smoothly sprung Coupe to 60mph in 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of around 150mph. 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 RHD Daimler Double-Sixes.

The example on sale was manufactured in 1976. It has Silver Grey bodywork topped by a black vinyl roof. The interior is trimmed in ebony velour. The vendor purchased the car in 1991 after it had apparently enjoyed an extensive restoration. Having used the Daimler for two years, he then dry stored it before having it recommissioned by Bristol Classic & Sports Cars. The following year it received ignition and suspension upgrades and new tyres. The vendor now describes the coachwork as "rust free", the paintwork as "good" and the engine and transmission as "excellent". The car is MOT'd into August 2011.