Daimler Sovereign Series III

First registered 1st Oct 1979

Our Daimler Sovereign 4.2 is the long wheelbase version of the model, thus having additional rear leg room.

It was one of the very first Series III models on the road and, when we acquired it in February 2007, had covered only 23,000 miles from new. It is a superb vehicle in pristine original condition.

The model is the upmarket version of the Jaguar XJ6.

History of the Daimler Sovereign

The Daimler Sovereign is, in effect, a luxury version of the acclaimed Jaguar XJ6 and was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd alongside the Jaguar models at their factory in Browns Lane, Coventry.

The main differences between the Jaguar and Daimler models are the distinctive Daimler fluted radiator grill and upgraded upholstery and interior.

The Jaguar XJ6 was introduced to universal praise in September 1968 and was an instant success. The demand for the new model was such that Jaguar had difficulty in keeping pace with it initially, to the extent that even motoring journalists experienced problems in getting hold of a car to test drive!

In a contemporary road test report, a head-to-head comparison was done between the Jaguar XJ6 and the then current model of Rolls Royce. The testers concluded that the "Coventry Cat" was by far the superior vehicle as regards performance, handling and ride comfort, the latter often being subsequently referred to quite justifiably as a "magic carpet ride". The Sovereign is therefore a very worthy addition to Timeless Classics' fleet, epitomising the 1950's Jaguar slogan of "Grace, Space, Pace".

Fact File - Daimler Cars

Confusion sometimes surrounds the name Daimler because it is believed by some to be part of Mercedes Benz. This is not the case but the misunderstanding probably arises because the Daimler Motor Syndicate Ltd, formed in 1893 by Frederick Simms, used Gottlieb Daimler's surname. Daimler had developed an engine in Germany for use in motorboats and Simms, realising that there was a potential market for these in Britain, obtained the patent rights and set up his company. Thus began the origins of the Daimler name in the British motor industry - it is actually the oldest marque in Britain.

From early days Daimlers were used as primary transport by the Royal Family and this continued right up until 1950 when Rolls Royce vehicles started to be used as primary transport by the royals. As mentioned in our fact file about Hooper & Co (Coachbuilders) Ltd, an early Hooper-bodied vehicle was commissioned by King Edward VII in 1903 based on a Daimler chassis.

After WWII, most Daimlers went for export in support of Britain's post-war recovery. In Britain, the market for luxury cars was a difficult one, not helped by a petrol ration of only 10 gallons per month and a rate of purchase tax of 66.6%!

During the mid to late 1950's Daimler produced two sports cars, firstly the Conquest Roadster in 1954, and then in 1959 the Daimler SP250, better known in the UK as the Daimler Dart. The Dart was quite an innovation for Daimler, having a fibreglass body and the superb Turner 2,547cc V8 engine, but unfortunately the car sold in only small numbers.

Success seemed to be eluding the Daimler Company and in 1960 Jaguar Cars, who were then selling all the cars they could manufacture, acquired the Daimler name and the company's production facilities. In 1962, the first Jaguar-bodied Daimler was produced to great success using the Jaguar Mk2 bodyshell and the Turner V8 engine from the Dart. This was soon outselling its "sister", the 2.4 litre Jaguar Mk2 (of Inspector Morse fame), although the larger-engined and more powerful 3.4 litre and 3.8 litre Jaguar Mk2s were the real big sellers of the models based on this bodyshell. Since then there have been several more Daimler models which are effectively badge-engineered Jaguars, of which our Daimler Sovereign Series III is one of the more recent.