Daimler Sovereign (1970)

The Jaguar 420 (pronounced "four-twenty") and its Daimler Sovereign equivalent were introduced at the October 1966 London Motor Show. The Jaguar was produced for two years whilst the Daimler continued in production until 1969. Developed from the Jaguar S-Type, the 420 cost around £200 more than that model ; the 420 and Sovereign differed from the S-Type in having a revised four-headlight nose reminiscent of the Jaguar Mark X, and being powered by a 4.2 litre version of the straight-six XK engine. The main external difference between the Jaguar 420 and Sovereign was the traditional fluted radiator grille on the Daimler.
The 4.2-litre XK engine of the 420/Sovereign was fitted with the straight port cylinder head and 3/8-inch lift cams. The engine was fed by two carburettors and developed a claimed 245 bhp. gross at 5,500 rpm, this was 20 bhp less than the triple-carburettor version in the 420G and E-Type.
Registered new in February 1970 by Spinks of Bournemouth where it had been a demonstrator; SLJ 731H should therefore be regarded as one of the last cars made as production had ceased in 1969. Used initially as a holiday vehicle as the first owner (a Mr T J Bedford) who resided in Buckinghamshire but had a holiday home in Poole. We understand that in 1980 having covered only 15,000 miles the Daimler was acquired by Gordon Ayre, of Long Crendon Buckinghamshire who, initially had the car laid up until it was re-commissioned in 1990. The car was again laid up in 2008 (with SORN Certificates supporting this). Mr Ayre kept the car until was last sold in March 2015 to Mark Hill who had been an employee of Mr Ayres from 1980. We have a handwritten letter on file prepared by Mr Hill, who relates his knowledge of the car over 25 years.
The expression "Time Warp" is often abused in the world of classic motor cars; but this car must be put unequivocally in this bracket.
With just 20,000 miles recorded, this Daimler is totally unmolested and original; remaining in totally superb condition. Presented in British Racing Green with a Light Tan interior and matching carpets; the car has superb original panel fit showing that there has never been any accident damage or remedial body work.
Our experienced classic Jaguar mechanics will carry out an exhaustive mechanical check to this vehicle prior to sale; the underside will be cleaned off and given a Waxoyl treatment to protect its under-body.
We do not believe there is an equivalent original Daimler currently available anywhere in the world and for it new owner this unique vehicle represents a superb investment proposition, given its condition, originality and very low mileage.

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