Registration - NAU 521E

Chassis No. - 1A31512BW

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 20,000

This stately Daimler 4.2 Sovereign is presented in eye-catching red paintwork, over black leather interior with red piping and wooden veneer dashboard. The spacious saloon uses Jaguar’s 4.2-litre straight-six XK engine, mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. It has been extensively restored by the current owner, who has spent around £30,000 over the course of their ownership of ‘NAU 521E’, bringing the Daimler back to its former glory. This includes stripping everything out and sending the bodyshell to a professional garage to for renovations, including new brakes fitted and a stainless-steel exhaust. The undersides and engine bay have been resprayed three years ago, the roof refurbished by RS Sunroofs in Kent, and a new leather interior installed.

Bought by the current keeper eight years ago, ‘NAU 521E’ was originally sold through Stratstone’s London dealership in 1967 – initially painted cream – but was then sold to a customer of H.R. Owen in London in 1970 and shipped to America, where it stayed for the next 40 years. Not much is known of its time across the Atlantic, though the vendor has receipts of work from both Tuscon, Arizona and Cape Arago, Oregon. It was repatriated in 2014, where an MOT the following year records 73,000 miles on the clock; the odometer now reads 20,000 miles. Included is a large file of invoices and the original handbook, as well as the toolbox. The seller describes all areas of the vehicle – transmission, bodywork, paintwork, electrics, and interior – as ‘good’ though the engine is rated as ‘excellent’.

Daimler and Jaguar’s 420/Sovereign was introduced in 1966, and was a development of the S-Type – itself a development of the Mk II saloon. Daimler’s offering was pitched at the more luxurious end of the market, in keeping with the brand’s positioning at the time, with Jaguar the sportier, more aggressive of the two manufacturers. As such, although mechanically the cars were identical, both featuring Jaguar’s 4.2-litre XK straight six unit, the details were tweaked, such as Daimler’s ‘D’ icon used in place of Jaguar’s cat motifs, a fluted grille surround, and higher specifications of wood veneer and leather used. Production of the Jaguar ended in 1968, while Daimler production halted mid-1969.

· Rare opportunity to own Daimler’s take on Jaguar’s large 1960s sports saloon.

· Comprehensively refurbished over the last eight years.

· Large folder of paperwork covering work carried out, and original handbook.