Description
Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Series III | 1986
Highlights:
– 4.2-litre straight-six engine, petrol, automatic transmission
– Bodywork restored
– Leather upholstery restored
– Chrome wire wheels
– 161,000 km on the odometer
The private seller offers for sale this 1986 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Series III, powered by a 4.2-litre straight-six engine, paired with an automatic transmission. Finished in a warm bronze metallic over a beige leather interior, this Sovereign carries all the hallmarks that set the Daimler apart from its Jaguar sibling: the fluted radiator grille and boot lid finisher, the Daimler script and ‘D’ emblems, Sovereign badging and a richly veneered dashboard and door cappings. It rides on a set of chrome wire wheels and is equipped with a sliding sunroof, and the odometer shows 161,000 km.
According to the seller, the bodywork has been restored and the leather upholstery has also been restored, giving the cabin a fresh and inviting appearance. The seller is open about the points that still need attention: the air conditioning is not working, and the lacquer on the wooden dashboard veneer shows cracking. The car comes with a valid inspection, and the photographs include images taken during the bodywork process.
The Series III XJ was introduced in 1979 as the final evolution of Sir William Lyons’ original XJ design. Pininfarina was asked to refine the shape, raising the roofline, enlarging the glasshouse and adding flush door handles and larger impact bumpers, changes that gave the car a lighter and more elegant stance without losing the low, wide proportions that made the XJ so admired. Under Jaguar ownership, the Daimler name was reserved for the most luxuriously appointed versions, and the six-cylinder Daimler Sovereign was positioned as the refined, understated choice for buyers who wanted the very best of the range. This 1986 example belongs to the final production years before the XJ40 took over, which makes it one of the last of the classic Series III six-cylinder saloons.
At the heart of the car is the legendary XK straight-six, an engine whose roots go back to the late 1940s and which powered Le Mans-winning C-Types and D-Types before maturing into the smooth, torquey 4.2-litre unit fitted here with fuel injection. Paired with the automatic gearbox and the XJ’s celebrated independent rear suspension, it delivers the effortless, near-silent progress and supple ride for which these saloons became famous. Combining timeless styling, a hand-finished interior of wood and leather and the added exclusivity of the Daimler badge, the Sovereign remains one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy a classic British luxury saloon today.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
