Lot details
Year: 1973
Make: Daimler
Model: 4.2 Sovereign
Registration: TVL 42L
Odometer: 48,351
Engine: 4,235cc
Transmission: Automatic
MOT: Exempt
HPI: clear
Location: Yorkshire
In the pantheon of classic British luxury cars, the 1973 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 holds a special place, combining the refined elegance of the Daimler badge with the engineering prowess of Jaguar, but the Sovereign 4.2 was more than just a badge-engineered Jaguar XJ6; it was a dignified saloon that exuded understated prestige, grace, and power.
The early 1970s were a golden age for British executive saloons. The Daimler Sovereign, launched in 1966 and heavily based on the Jaguar XJ6, gave Daimler an entry into the modern luxury market after years of producing traditional, chauffeur-driven limousines and by 1973, the Sovereign had evolved with subtle improvements and now featured the Series I body style’s final refinements. With its 4.2-litre straight-six engine, advanced suspension, and luxurious interior, it delivered a smooth, effortless driving experience that rivalled much more expensive continental offerings.
At the heart of the 1973 Daimler Sovereign was Jaguar’s legendary XK engine – a proven straight-six powerplant dating back to the 1940s, but continuously refined for the modern age.
- Engine: 4.2-litre inline-6
- Power Output: ~245 hp (gross) / ~170 hp (net)
- Top Speed: ~120 mph (193 km/h)
- 0–60 mph: ~9.0 seconds
This made the Sovereign not only graceful on the outside, but genuinely quick for its class — capable of outpacing many contemporary rivals like the Rover P5 or Mercedes-Benz W108.
Produced in smaller numbers than its Jaguar counterparts these are now the rarer find and they do make a super useable and practical classic car that are a pleasure to own and drive.
The vendor has kindly submitted the following condition report:
Exterior
The bodywork is mostly solid with a few areas of surface rust and the paintwork is in fair condition; there are several areas that would benefit from touching up. It has a new vinyl roof fitted (with invoice) and the wheels and tyres all present well.
Interior
It has been fitted with a new headlining and wooden dash (with invoices) and the leather seats are in good condition with a small tear in driver seat, circa half an inch. The vendor reports that the radio is not working.
Mechanical
It has benefitted from an oil and filter service in July 2024 (no invoice on file) along with a reconditioned steering rack in June 2024, the Carbs were fully refurbished and choke set up correctly in September 2023 (with invoice). The vendor reports that it starts, runs and drives well, but there are some squeaks and rattles from suspension, he believes it will need new front ball joints and bushes all round to rectify. The windscreen wipers are working intermittently and can be slower than they should be and the car is running from the right hand side fuel tank only; so works would be required to reinstate the left tank as operational.
The file includes the wallet, Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook, the V5, a collection of MOT certificates and the invoices for carried out as shown above.
These are now a rare and sought after car, with the DVLA reporting just 3 Sovereign 4.2 Auto’s registered either on the road or SORN’d from 1973 and we are delighted to offer this super example with scope to use and improve.
Thanks to the Vendor for providing and checking all information
Please note: All lots are subject to a Buyers Fee of 6% plus VAT with a minimum of £600 plus VAT
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