1983 Daimler Sovereign 4.2-Litre Vanden Plas - 7,700 miles

Daimler became part of Jaguar Cars Limited in 1960, and the name was not only preserved but strengthened. The Daimler Sovereign was launched in 1966 as the enhanced version of the standard Jaguar and marketed as a more discreet alternative to the equivalent Rolls-Royce and Bentley, with an appeal, in a uniquely British way, as the motorcar of choice for the successful individual that appreciated refinement and presence without the public, or private, accusations of ostentation. In 1979, Jaguar Cars used Pininfarina to revise the design for the XJ6 Series 3, using the long-wheelbase version of the car.

The understated redesign incorporated stylish and subtle upgrades, as well as modifications to pacify the US legislation for Federal bumpers. For the 1984 model year, the “Sovereign” name was transferred from the Daimler marque to a new top-specification Jaguar model, the “Jaguar Sovereign”. The Vanden Plas name was also dropped at the same time for the UK-market due to Jaguar being split from British Leyland and privatised. Daimler models became the 4.2 and Double Six and were the most luxurious XJ Series 3 models, being fully optioned with Vanden Plas spec interiors.

This Daimler 4.2’s story starts with the formidable Mrs. Gladys Lewis of Torquay, who refused to be driven in her husband’s Ford. Eschewing the ostentations of a Rolls, she instructed her husband to order the finest alternative motorcar. Supplied by Dutton Forshaw, Torquay, in the name of her husband, Mr Arthur Lewis, the Daimler was delivered in the classic colour scheme of Clarendon Blue with Doeskin Leather and fitted as per the specification with the enhanced Vanden Plas trim and optional “Kent” alloy wheels, on the 19th December 1983.

Always garaged, a signed letter by her son, Mr. Robert Lewis, confirms the occasional use over 37 years, with Mrs Lewis preferring dry weather shopping on the three-mile round trip and, if it rained, the outing was cancelled. Initially driven by her husband with Gladys settled in the rear, the gardener took over chauffeuring responsibilities in later years until her passing at the grand old age of 100 in 2011. Her son then inherited the car and maintained it with local specialists, selling it in 2020 with 7,507 miles on the odometer, as confirmed in the accompanying signed letter.

The car is presented to auction, with recent bills of over £5,000 from a no-expense spared programme of maintenance and enhancement works. The current odometer reading, at the time of cataloguing, was just 7,695 miles. The tool kit and jack are in superb condition, as is the spare wheel. The history file includes the book pack and well-stamped service book, spare key, receipts, a fresh MOT Certificate, the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate and the aforementioned signed letter confirming the car’s history and warranting the mileage.

This Daimler must be one of the finest examples available, worthy of inclusion in any collection and a perfect candidate for local car shows.