Daimler Eight 4.0 V8
ENGINE 3996cc/V8/DOHC POWER 286bhp@6100rpm TORQUE 289lb ft@4250rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 149mph 0-60MPH 7.3sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-27mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed auto MoT August 2021 ODOMETER 100,667 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This was as good as British saloon luxury got, this side of a Rolls-Royce, back in 1997 and it remains plush today. The engine pulls well, but more impressive is its slick ZF transmission that glides through the ratios. You’ll notice the near two-tonne weight in the bends, but the body stays level as its soft ride evens out the worst that rural roads have to offer. Braking effort is strong and modern-feeling without any nasty noise or vibrations. The same goes for the whole driving experience.
BODYWORK CHECK
Finished in Madeira Metallic, this grand old gal still exudes opulence and pedigree, although the lacquer has parted ways with the rear bumper in the middle – an area which has had a touch-up at some stage. It’s a similar story with the front bumper, where the areas of damage are to both corners. The tyres hold air but the wheels are due a refurb. The only corrosion we found was a very minor area of surface rust at the bottom of the off-side rear arch. The overall impression is a very good one, with a deep shine over most of the paint, and the brightwork is equally smart.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
It’s as classy as a weekend away at Chequers in here. The oatmeal and antelope (yes, really) trim sets the tone, with walnut rear picnic tables present and correct. There’s a ‘captain of industry’ vibe in here (fittingly, the first owner was a manager from the Dyson vacuum empire). Deep lamb’s wool carpets caress your loafers as you clamber aboard and settle into the spectacularly comfy driver’s seat. Almost everything in here adjusts electrically, so you hardly have to lift a finger to get into the perfect position. The headlining has started to sag, aft of the sunroof, which does spoil the grandeur a little. As does the ingrained dirt on the driver’s side inner door handle, but these two areas are the interior’s only faults.
UNDER THE BONNET
The 32-valve AJ-26 V8 is one of the best engines Jaguar has ever produced (plastic water pump impellors and timingchain tensioners aside). It’s happy to rev and makes a ton of power, and it sounds great too. This one might have just over 100k on the clock, but it has a remarkable service history, and runs very well. The running gear didn’t make any odd noises during our test and the fluids were all up to their full marks. At 12 years old, the tyres are worth swapping, but they look in fine condition with minimal wear.
THE CCW VIEW
This Daimler was at the top of the executive tree 23 years ago, when it cost a hefty £70k. With its extensive history, generally good cosmetic condition and excellent road manners, we doubt you can do much better for the money.
PROS Drives well, good condition, lots of history CONS Deep pockets needed to keep it happy
BUY IT FROM Two Bears Automotive, 12 Eagle Business Park, Imperial Way, Yaxley, Cambridgeshire PE7 3GP. 01733 830207, facebook.com/TwoBearsAutomotive