Double Trouble?

I’ve been reading the latest issue and saw that the Daimler Double Six I was f lying to Adelaide to view what was one of Uncle Phil’s picks of the month. So I was glad the great man and I were in agreement. The inspection threw up a few issues, of the Browns Lane kind (lots of leaks). And there was a bit more patina than I was expecting. But it’s still a gorgeous and rare beast, so I talked the price down a bit and bought it any way I’ll have a few dollars to spend on it getting it ready for its Qld RWC and bringing it up to the standard I like, and it deserves to be in. But that’s the challenge of owning an old classic. Isn’t it? Any way it’s my car now, sitting in a transport depot in Adelaide’s industrial north, awaiting a truck to take it to Cairns. And I f ly back in the morning, after a most successful and satisf ying trip. Life’s not just good, it’s great!

Gary G Smith

CONGRATULATIONS, Gary, I’m sure you’ll get a lot of joy out of that car. And I hope you have a nice dry garage, as it can get wet up there.

For anyone looking at the Jaguars and Daimlers from this period, rust is the big enemy and the main thing to watch for.

The Jaguar-sourced V12 meanwhile is actually a really good engine, with one achilles heel: The fuel system.

Early ones ran four CD or SU carburetors, while later versions ran fuel injection. In either case, as any long-term owner will tell you, the smart thing to do is go through it and replace the fuel lines. Modern fuel rots them and they’re a fire risk. Replace them every few years.

If you were deeply in love with it and had lots of cash to spare, you’d consider

getting a new fuel injection system built for it, complete with braided steel lines. It would cost a bomb, though, and I wouldn’t expect change from $10,000.

They’re a fabulous-looking car and a great thing to own. Have fun and let us know how you get on.