Manufacturer: Daimler (Jaguar Cars) Model: Double Six Coupe ...

by Barons Auctioneers

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1/3

Estimate

£14,500 - £16,000

Fees

Manufacturer: Daimler (Jaguar Cars)
Model: Double Six Coupe
First Registered: 1977
Registration No: RegNo
Engine No: Not Quoted
Chassis No: 2F0207BW
MOT: Nov 2014
Colour: British Racing Green
Details:
Jaguar's legendary XJ range of world-beating saloons was launched in 1968. By 1972 the sublime V12 5.3 litre engine had been shoehorned into the compact engine bay, much work having been done to the cooling system, including an air cooled battery box! At launch Jaguar claimed the XJ12, with a top speed of around 140mph, to be the fastest full four seater available in the world. With levels of ride quality and refinement that have not been significantly bettered to this day, the Jaguar XJ set the standard. The XJ received a facelift in late 1973 for the '74 model year. A new shallower grille, required to accommodate higher bumpers to meet the US bumper regulations, was incorporated along with a major update to the dashboard and heating system. From 1974 the longer wheelbase was also standardised. Top of the range was the wonderful Daimler Double Six which had an even more luxurious Vanden Plas spec interior and extra sound-proofing to waft its occupants along in near silence at three-figure speeds with barely a ripple on a glass of champagne.

Rarest of all Daimler/Jaguar XJs, with only 399 built in total, all right hand drive, was the Double Six Coupé. Built on the SWB XJ chassis, the V12 Coupé offered outstanding levels of comfort and performance, which has yet to be surpassed. With all four windows retracted the Coupé offered a beautiful pillarless profile, giving occupants a taste of alfresco motoring, while cosseted in leather bound luxury. The Coupé version of the Series 2 XJ was said to be one of Sir William Lyons' favourite Jaguars. Unfortunately, the V12 version was launched just as the world hit another oil crisis, which badly affected sales. However, here we are some 35 years later and the Daimler Double Six Coupé is now a sought-after rarity. The model is still a beautiful car, still capable of carrying four people in near silent luxury and leaving many sports cars in its wake with its turbine-like acceleration and 140mph top speed.

Offered here is an outstanding 1977 example of the Double Six Coupé, which has been in the vendor's ownership since October 1980 and has benefited from some serious upgrades by Lister Jaguar of Leatherhead. These include blueprinting of the V12 engine and the fitting of Cosworth pistons, gas flowed heads, the fitting of tubular extraction manifolds and silencers in stainless steel, conversion to manual transmission and running gear from the XJS, upgraded brakes, shock absorbers and wheels and tastefully flared rear arches.

Finished in British Racing Green with with tan leather interior, the car has also, over time, benefited from new front wings and sills and the replacement of the floor pan under the rear seat.

Offered in good, all round condition, this superbly enhanced 6/6 Coupé offers a rare opportunity to own a car which is not only rare but also offers excellent performance and handling.

Closed
Auction Date:
2nd Sep 14 at 1pm BST

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Sale Dates:
2nd Sep 2014 1pm BST (Lots 101 to 185)