Friday 20th August 2010

SOTW: Daimler XJ40 Auto

No, it's not a Jaguar. Well, okay, it kind of is...

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Daimler. It’s a sad name, really. Since Jaguar bought the company (which, incidentally, takes its name from the creator of the first four-wheeled motor car) in 1960, Daimler has been a pretty much moribund marque, used for little more than plush versions of Jaguar cars and some rather pregnant-looking limousines.

This week’s shed is from the ‘plush Jaguar’ stable of Daimlers and, though it is sad to see a once proud nameplate reduced to little more than a trim level, this Daimler XJ40 has nothing to be ashamed of.

As far as we can work out, the main distinguishing features of this Daimler - apart form the grille and badges - are different seat designs, better quality leather and a higher level of general trim quality.

Which - presumably - is why this 1988 3.6 still looks pretty fresh inside (at least from the photos), despite 22 years and 135,000 miles of life. The walnut picnic tables look like they were polished up in Browns Lane only yesterday, while the cream leather seats look as though they’ve barely had 50,000 miles worth of contact with occupants’ bottoms.

The engine - the 221bhp 3.6 - is sound and unsmoky (says the vendor), and the gearbox is also apparently solid, so it should be capable of still delivering sub 9-second 0-60mph times (we probably wouldn’t try too many traffic-light GPs, mind).

Of course, the biggest terrors with XJ40s are rot and dodgy electrics. This one has a small amount of both - minor rust patches and an intermittent LCD dash - but seemingly nothing major.

XJ40s are always a bit of a punt, and condition and history are crucial, so the fact that there is plenty of paperwork with this one is a definite plus.

Downsides? Both passenger side doors don’t work, the roof lining’s a bit saggy and we’re told ‘not to expect concours condition’ with the bodywork. Which would be worrying were it not for the £725 price - and that could no doubt be negotiated down a quid or two, especially since the vendor admits he needs to make a sale.

At that price we’re sorely tempted - the only question is, would repeating ‘no, it’s not a Jaguar, it’s a Daimler’ ad infinitum be amusing, or simply bloody annoying?

Advert is reproduced below

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Daimler XJ40 3.6 Auto - Long MOT, FSH, Rare Spec (1988)
£725

** MUST SELL - NEED THE SPACE **

Daimler XJ40 3.6 Auto
11 Months MOT
Metallic Bordeaux Red with Full Electric Heated Leather
Approx 135k miles

Based on the Jaguar XJ40 Saloon - but a much more rare and desirable car. Not many of these were made...

Very High Specification Car:

Full Cream Leather Interior
Electric Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Rear Walnut Picnic Tables
Rear Blinds
Walnut & Chrome Trim
Trip Computer
Electric Windows x4
Electric Sunroof
Electric Doors Mirrors
Central Locking
Vanity Lighting
Climate Control
Rear Passenger Venting

 

SERVICE HISTORY:

* Every Single MOT from NEW!

* Lots of Bills and Receipts - including one for over £2k back in 1991!

* Jaguar Service Booklet and Dealer Manuals

 

ENGINE / MECHANICAL:

Mechanically 100% Sound - drives absolutely spot on: No leaks, bangs, knocks or untoward sounds.

Uses no excess oil or water, and does not smoke, even under hard acceleration.

Pulls well through every gear, and the gear changes are smooth, effortless and seamless, like a Daimler of this calibre should be.

Has plenty of grunt from the 3.6 litre unit, which has is renowned for being robust:

AJ6 Engine
3590 cc
Straight Six Cylinder
DOHC
221 BHP

These engines are known for their reliability and durability - they are the preferred choice amongst enthusiasts, compared to the later, more problematic V8 units.

Starts on the key, no issues whatsoever.

 

EXTERIOR:

Finished in period Bordeaux Red Metallic, this suits the Daimler really well. When polished, the car has a realy good shine and turns heads everywhere it goes.

Structurally solid: Bodywork has a few scars here and there, but this is a 22 year old car, so you can expect a concours example, unless you're spending over £4k on one!

A few spots of surface rust, nothing major. NO ROT, unlike many other XJ40s of this era. Rear arches are solid. Front bumper needs tightening, and rear bumper had a slight dent in the chrome strip, NSF wing has a couple of small dents.

* Please note - the car is pretty dirty in these photos, as it has been sitting in my office car park for the last couple of weeks. Needs a good wash / wax to bring out the shine, hence the photos don't do it justice!

 

INTERIOR:

The beige leather trim perfectly compliments the car's Bordeaux Red coachwork.

The interior is in near-immaculate condition. The rear seats are designed for 2 passengers only, and were generally only fitted to these high-spec Daimlers.

Has front electric heated seats, front and rear arm rests, rear blinds and rear picnic tables and walnut / chrome trim all over... You feel real special sitting in this car!

If you have driven a Jag before, then you would know what to expect from one of these. They just glide along, in pure comfort and smoothness. The cabins are such a pleasant to be, but I think the rear passengers are the ones who would feel like royalty!

A car to truly be driven in, or to be as equally enjoyed behind the wheel!

 

Usual XJ40 Faults:

* The LCD dash works when it wants to. Seems to be a loose connection somewhere, as when you go over a bump, they sometimes come on

* Roof lining is sagging slightly

* Both Rear Passenger and Front Passenger Door do not open from the outside (simple fix)

Apart from these, everything works. Wipers, horn, lights, indicators, heating, windows, etc, all operate the way they should.

 

SUMMARY:

This is a very rare example of an XJ Daimler. I mean, how many do you ever see up for sale? Just take a look on eBay, Pistonheads, AutoTrader, Car and Classic, etc!

These were a lot more expensive than the regular Jaguar XJ40, costing more than a 3-bedroom house back in it's day!

This was purchased to use as a car for my Engagement Ceremony function, and is now surplus to requirements, as we have just purchased an XJ8 Jag for the Wedding.

One of the nicest XJ40s I have owned and I have owned a handful. Drives better than the X300 I had.

No silly offers, timewasters or dreamers - you will not be tolerated. Sensible offers will be considered....

No warranty given and / or implied. Sold as per eBay Terms & Conditions.

Car is located in Milton Keynes.

Please call 07984 395400 for any further information, or to arrange a viewing.

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[forzaminardi]

Good god no. As George Best said, "I spent a lot of money on fags, booze and women - the rest I wasted and spent on ancient Jaguars".