Daimler Vanden Plas

EXTERIOR Straight body Kent wheels INTERIOR Fantastic original condition MECHANICALS Smooth, quiet motor Smooth gearbox

ENGINE 4235cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 202bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 231lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 127mph 0-60MPH 10.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 14-26mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT September 2020 ODOMETER 84,748 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Smooth, quiet and refined. The six-cylinder XK engine starts and runs well with no incriminating noises or any smoke from the exhaust, either at start-up or under load. Power delivery is uniform and there is plenty of performance to deal with most situations. Changes from the automatic gearbox are gentle and the car corners well, as long as you’re not throwing its notinconsiderable weight around too much. Engine temperature remains consistent, there is no hesitation from the motor and throttle response is good. The brakes are powerful and easily up to the task of stopping the car. The steering feels well balanced and the car goes exactly where you point it.

BODYWORK CHECK

The bright red paint looks superb; the only issues we could find were a small bubble below the rear window and some small scratches and chips to the driver’s door handle surround. Everywhere else is rust- and blemish-free – even the wings, arches and sills. Underneath the car also looks solid. All of the chrome is in good condition and appears to have escaped the pitting or dullness that can affect some vehicles. The GKN Kent wheels have been well maintained and the Vredestein Sprint tyres appear to be wearing well and are in good condition overall.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

Entirely clean, dry and tidy. The blue interior has obviously been fastidiously maintained. The leather seats are supple but firm and extremely comfortable. There are no rips or tears in the upholstery and the unmarked headlining is taut. All of the gauges and switchgear work perfectly and the electric sunroof opens and closes smoothly. The door cards are equally well-presented and the wooden trim pieces both here and on the dashboard are in fine condition, with no cracking or other damage.

UNDER THE BONNET

This honest engine bay looks a little grimy in places but everything is where it should be and there is no rust anywhere. There is a misting of oil on the nearside of the engine block below the exhaust manifold but the car does not leave any drips of fluid on the ground and an inspection of the dipstick shows that the oil level is correct. The radiator is in good condition with no holes or bent fins.

THE CCW VIEW

British luxury motoring at its best. The interior is this car’s trump card – there is nothing to do here but enjoy it. The six-cylinder engine is more than capable and is much more economical than the V12 variant. There is no restoration work to carry out – just some minor tweaks here and there – and there is good club and specialist support should you require assistance. Great value at the asking price, too.