I BOUGHT A CHEAP, RARE DAIMLER DOUBLE-SIX V12!

[@pageonejournalist]

As a child growing up in the 70's, my dad had a Daimler Double Six in that odd brown/gold colour. We barely used it though as my parents told me that the reason it had two fuel tanks was one to go to the petrol station and one to come back home.

[@andrewpickering5413]

My father also had one, I mainly remember it because of the twin tanks!

[@rowanholgate1435]

These X305 DD6 are great. I have one in Australia where they are rare. A future collectable classic. Love mine.

[@johnchincotta1qwdb15]

Nice beast

[@TheOriginal_BigMac]

😅😅😅😅😅

[@OrnumCR]

Was it a Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas in coral metallic??

[@MrJezza31]

Just a couple of bits from me here - having owned several of these: Firstly: This is the X300 shape, not X308. Only the bumpers really changed externally, but the electrical systems are completely different - so any X308 parts you buy will almost definitely not fit. Secondly, the door handles on the exterior *should* be chromed on a Double Six by default. Check whether this has been specifically deleted by the owner from new, otherwise these have been swapped out by someone, which is as much puzzling as it is concerning! Third: Glove box - only the very first X300s built came without a glove box, so someone has damaged the panel where the glove box sits, and probably cheaped out with a blanking panel. These aren't expensive to retrofit. Fourth: The driver never got a lambswool mat in the X300 or XJ40 - only the Series III. This is understandable given the absolute state you often see them in. The best thing you can do immediately preventative maintenance wise is to take the sunroof control panel out and spray all the contacts and connections with contact cleaner/rust inhibiter. Condensation, no matter how perfect every seal is, will form near the roof and ruin that panel eventually, and they are impossible to find - the switches requiring a very costly rebuild. If you want any advice or help - or indeed spares, drop me a DM. There's probably nothing I haven't seen issue wise regarding these!

[@Broomehall]

You are right about the door handles, I'm guessing it may have had paint and they sprayed over them? but yes, very unusual to see non chromed ones, as far as glovebox is concerned, they fitted a passenger SRS system on the later models ( as this and many others have ) so that took up the space for a glovebox, and regards the drivers Lambswool rug it was a cost extra option I believe, as my 1995 on an N had one ? either way a super thing and remarkably rust free AND under 100,000 miles which is rare nowadays.

[@MagnyCoors]

Probably an early chassis that didn't sell very quick. A heritage certificate would reveal the build date.

[@skipast75]

Only fans of Jaguars mention electronics when speaking of changes made to a car. Love it. Haha

[@lukespector5550]

Then, you need to sit in my '87 model Lagonda Series 3 saloon. A few thousand F-words & German + Japanese components replacing the British shit!

[@jbekiaris7146]

Any X300 built pre-January 1995 did NOT come equipped with a glovebox. And my NAS-spec 1997 Jaguar Vanden Plas absolutely came with a full set of mouton lambswool rugs...although I did keep a set of standard XJ6 carpet mats due to shedding on the driver's side. You can tell this car has to be a 1994 or 1995 build due to the Short Wheelbase. The Daimlers, XJ12, and Vanden Plas all transitioned to Long Wheelbase by 1996.

[@Julianpms]

Another tidbit from the history of this splendid motorcar: RA Creamer had a Royal Warrant to supply cars to the Royal Household, including the late Queen.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for sharing

[@johnnunn8688]

The thing with cars like that; it’s not about mad acceleration, it’s about ‘urge’, a long push in the back, if you will.

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi Mat, this is a car you should keep, FOREVER. In 20-30 yrs this beautiful car will still provide as much pleasure as today but worth a lot more. KEEP IT.

[@peterwinter3515]

This car is utterly gorgeous and when spruced up is like wow, I'd have that.

[@colinwhite5355]

It’s in the ‘never be another like it, again’, category; a true dinosaur, but a truly beautiful one. A summer, weekend show car for a retired enthusiast? You’ve done it proud.

[@RC92iow]

Bonnet doesn’t need grease Matt, that’s the small marching band installed in every Daimler from new you heard!

[@jonbrinsmead5569]

As an ex Daimler owner, we all know you need to keep a length of plastic wire in the boot to clear out the fuel drain pipe when it rains - this feature has been an issue on Daimlers (and probably Jags for a while). Anything to do with water and Lucas is also usually interesting..

[@ChevyBM]

The V12 motors are just soooo smooth and the way they deliver power is just wonderful!

[@Eleanore-u3x]

To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to do.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Quite right

[@timobrien949]

Loved that Daimler fabulous old thing. I’m in a 4.2 liter Xj350 and loving it.Nothing else really gives you that feeling of grace and opulence.Leather and Burr Walnut all the way,like you said you can’t smell the leather in the video or actually appreciate the silence of an XJ. Thanks for a great journey with that old girl and glad you saved her from street parking and and debris.

[@ashtondimovski7074]

Okay, so great work. Here’s some things: * 1994-1997 - X300 is the model designation. This is the era with the inline sixes and v12 models. * 1997-2003 - X308 is the model designation. This is the era exclusively powered by V8s. Now I’m sure there’s further model designations. I believe the XJ12 models were X305s for example. But generally, X300 and X308 are all you need to remember. The X300 was the last of the heritage Jaguars and the X308 was the first truly modern Jaguar. The power plants of the X300s could in some way trace their ancestry to the 1950s. The X308 was a thoroughly modern design and affair (though again, there was some ancestry in the parts that were selected). Overall the X300 and particular the Daimler/Vanden Plas models (depending on the market) were the best way to get into a CLASSIC Jaguar experience. They were built properly and retained their historic feel and charisma. The X308 took that history and charisma and modernized it. Both are excellent. Enjoy.

[@ph8077]

You see Matt, you're not a car-dork....THIS ^ is a _car-dork!_

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

​@ph8077 Also the AJ6 engines and later AJ16 in the X300, was an all new engine a departure from the old XK units.

[@ashtondimovski7074]

@ph8077 my friend…you made me smile. 🥲 And whether intentional or not - the Crocodile Dundee reference….CLASSIC ✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻

[@ashtondimovski7074]

@pauliegualtieri1282 - what’s fascinating is if you do some skulking on the internet, you’ll find that certain portions of the AJ6 and AJ16 do indeed date back to the XK engines. And then in turn, the AJV8 to some degree had some design elements that came from the AJ16. So in theory, the engine from the outgoing F-Type can indeed trace some lineage back to the E-Type. Perhaps not as clearly as Ferrari or other manufacturers but it definitely can.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@ashtondimovski7074 And the 2.9 in the XJ40 was half a V12 with the May head High Efficiency

[@polygamous1]

Mate the 2.5 V8 Daimler of the 60s a jag MK2 with mabe the last Daimlerr engine was really a dream car to drivewas the smoothest car I ever driven

[@elijahheyes9061]

I'd actually spend a lot of money on that and bring it back to near perfect condition as I could. I'd keep it, drive it from time to time and enjoy the experience and keep it in the bank. It will be worth a fortune one day with that mileage on it terrific video as always, Matt 😊

[@srw_cricket2976]

Yeah, agree, be like driving around on Bing Crosby or Harry Conick Jnr, smooth…..

[@jackroutledge352]

I've got an old XJ, (a 1979 Daimler Double Six). In the 15 years I've had it, prices have actually declined. These will never be worth anything unfortunately.

[@elijahheyes9061]

@@jackroutledge352 But do you love your car Jack ? What's it worth to you ? I have a 15 year old Mercedes E320 Sport fully loaded with Napa leather, paddle shift, full, pano sunroof, in mint condition. 82k Full service history, 2 owners. She honestly Drives like new. £65k new...I paid £5k for it. Iv'e spent £2.5k since, over 3 years. I still drive a 65k car when I get behind the wheel....Look at the long game Jack...My son is going to inherit this car when I kick the bucket. He loves it. Its current value is declining as is your car, but I truly believe in years to come, My car will be worth the equivalent of 65K again. But more importantly, I think it will be worth more to my son. I guess it's how we value things😊

[@elijahheyes9061]

@@srw_cricket2976 And how I love blasting out some Crosby as I drive over Honister pass 😊

[@markrushton1516]

Just a museum piece. Have to be 70 yrs of age to drive it imo. Doesn't look as nice as a BMW L type or an Audi A8. Or that S class you had.

[@marcuswilson9381]

Keep it!! It's a future classic and will be worth a fortune

[@rickmartin5288]

I'm 32 and have a 2002 XJ Sport with the 3.2 V8, and I absolutely love it. So, as you can imagine, this is my kind of video. Keep up the good work Matt, the channel just goes from strength to strength and rightly so 👍

[@ljones396]

Nice to see some younger Jag owners. I'm 34 with a 2005 Jaguar XKR 👍🏼😎

[@cabra2365]

The first car I ever drove on the motorway was my Dad's XJ40 Daimler 4.0. It was this time of year in 96 or 97 and it snowed on the M74. The usual UK chaos ensued, jacknifed lorries, etc. I quickly bailed out and let Dad drive 😂 The snow was bad enough to obscure the road signs and of course there was no sat nav. We took the wrong turnoff from the M74 and found ourselves on the Moffat road which is quite hilly. The Daimler was balletic on the bends, sliding nicely. Thankfully Dad had grown up with RWD so was a natural at it... I later discovered the Daimlers had limited slip differential as standard equipment, as if the product managers had just decided to throw every option at the Daimler in a desperate exercise to justify the price premium. Having driven many Jags past and present my heart will always lie with a supercharged V8. One day I will have a X351 Supersport...

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

It's about time, Matt, she's a keeper.

[@mattltvtoyreviews1955]

Great video, a natural presenter who makes it interesting without a need for gimmicks! Look forward to the next one.👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Much appreciated!

[@FighterPilot1945]

Agree very interesting and nicely presented video cheers❤🎉

[@Matticitt]

That's the thing with older cars. They're huge yet there's more legroom in a modern hatchback. Still, that V12, it's just lovely. I love how the starter sounds on V12s. Like an airplane engine starting up. This is the sort of car that just makes you smile every time.

[@hughoxford8735]

In a strange story, I ended up being driven around Manchester in a 1981 Rolls Royce Corniche convertible. I'm a small man, but I could barely move inside it. I could easily have touched the drivers door from the passenger seat.

[@jeffnaylor4838]

Think it was the Mk3 Granada that started to utilise the interior space in a big car with anything like the same efficiency as smaller cars. My dad had one as a company car, was massive in the back compared to the Carlton he had before it.

[@raylancaster2712]

Looks like this car is a short wheel base. Majority of these were long wheel base as they were a luxury limousine that were said to be better than Rolls Royce at that time, making the rear much better to sit in.

[@FROOB202]

That's not an old cars thing, that's a Jaguar XJ thing. It's all bonnet and boot, after which they remembered they need somewhere for the humans. A Mini of the period is absolutely tiny but you can fit people in it. And also, this XJ is not as big as you think, as with a lot of older cars. It's 5014mm long but only 1799mm wide. A G70 7-Series is 5391mm and 1950mm wide (which is actually thinner than some rivals), for example. A new car designed like this would have even less space inside.

[@Matticitt]

@@FROOB202 yes not all cars were like that but most were. Especially the bigger ones where it seems the only enlarged the engine and boot while keeping the people compartment the same from a smaller car hence you get a huge land yacht with no leg room.

[@GhostvaperYT]

nothing says class like an old jag. my mates dad was a car dealer and when we were still at school my mate passed his test. nothing like pulling up to SCHOOL in a black jaguar xj6. 4.2 litre. awesome. We used to ask the girls if they wanted a lift home and sometimes we would use the sentence "fancy a shag in my jag!" yep it was pretty cool. we also had a lovelly red XJS convertable but it was really cramped inside that thing. good memories. Jags are awesome especially when you run out of petrol and you can switch over to the 2nd tank!

[@RichieRouge206]

My uncle who lived in Knutsford had a brand new 1996 XJ Sport 3.2 when this shape came out. I had a drive and it was the smoothest, most cosseting ride I have ever experienced. The shape is beautiful and the smell of the leather unmatched. There is something so incredibly appealing about these! It was all about the smoothness and lack of fuss with these. Great video fella and possibly the most appealing car you’ve featured yet

[@alastairharris1866]

I remember driving a v12 Daimler from the early 80's. Nothing quite like it.

[@davemitchell8756]

My boss when I was a teenager had a few of these. He filled it up at the garage with two pumps. I remember pushing it down the main road with the other apprentices when he ran out of fuel. He left the keys in it all day long with the door open if we needed to move it. Once took us up the north east on the A1, fastest I’ve ever been in a car. When you drive it you forgot it was on because the engine was whisper quiet. Good luck with the petrol bill 😆Different days indeed- interested to see the XJ8😎👍 The earlier ones had a nicer dash- flat with fab bur walnut and Smiths dials- no odd shelf behind the wheel, the auto box lever was a t shape black and chrome 👍

[@rutlandboy]

Well that brought back a lot of memories. I used to work for the UK branch of Swedish company. Our company chairman (an Englishman with a pad in St James's) had a silver Daimler Double Six. After a merger with an American outfit he was appointed as group chairman and moved with the car to Stockholm. He must have upset some of the Swedish workers as someone reported the car to the Swedish authorities as it did not meet their rather stringent emission regulations. He was given 3 weeks to either export it or have it confiscated by the Swedes . I was given the job of driving it back to the UK going from Stockholm to Gothenberg, then ferry across to Frederikshaven in Denmark. From there across Denmark to Esbjerg where I caught the ferry back to the UK, quite a road trip. It was around this time of year and it was fitted with studded snow tyres which were fine for Scandinavia but which were incredibly noisy (and most probably illegal) on UK tarmac. Because it was Christmas I was allowed to keep the car for a couple of weeks and I drove to see absolutely everyone I knew in the UK to show it off. I remember the first time I started it up I thought there was a problem as it was so quiet I couldn't hear the engine fire up. It was only when I put my foot on the accelerator and saw the rev counter needle spin that I realised it was fine. Beautiful car to drive on a long trip, so comfortable and refined. I lived in NE England at the time and when I had to return the car to London I had one last long driving stint. Mind you, parking the thing in London was no joke, I don't think it fit in a standard parking meter bay. Happy memories, so thanks for that Matt, Merry Christmas & look forward to more great content in 2024.

[@mikeroz6549]

Check inside the petrol filler cap. On the previous XJ40 there was a drainage pipe at the base of the rubber gasket in front of the filler pipe at about 11 o'clock if my memory serves me right. It would get blocked up with general muck. It just needs blowing out with an airline, then clean all traces of soil type grime and detail with autoglym rubber cleaner. Any rain will then just drain away immediately.

[@johnrowson6856]

Oh yes 100 % right and the sill below the boot needed to be sealed !

[@gunnarMyTube]

If the car was locked you would not supposed been able to open the tank lid. It locks along with the doors.

[@mikeroz6549]

@@gunnarMyTube Indeed it does.👍

[@gunnarMyTube]

@@mikeroz6549 Sometimes owners have sawed off the locking tab under the lid if they faced some electrical problem that did not unlock the cap. Or could be the tank lid lock is just out or order electrically so it doesn't lock along with the door locks.

[@iainmacleod4007]

The last classic vehicle to be manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd with a lineage that goes back to the XJ 12 of 1972 and the styling harking back to the Sir William Lyons era. I have owned three modern X Types which had similar styling cues but no Jaguar since bar the F Type has the same appeal. Burr Walnut and Connely leather is what classic Jaguar and Daimler cars were all about.

[@kellyjbrian]

Now that car has overspent written all over it 😂

[@michaelr1989]

*massively overspent

[@sturoe7361]

Will probably be worth every penny.

[@AmosDohms]

What, no! I'm positive that this will be an extremely cheap car to own with no issues whatsoever. With that in mind, an excellent purchase.

[@hugolundin9946]

Exactly my thought. Just saw the intro and the car alone would indicate overspending

[@bigfist255]

Don't drive it around to much ,your profit will fo in petrol 😂

[@adambodhi431]

I drove a white 4.2 XJ from a petrol station forecourt, to a workshop in the road behind it in 1975 , when I was 12. The owner also had the original S type, and a mk 10. I also drove the S type. They were different times 😊

[@MrPablo616]

Put a little superglue in a syringe, pop it through the headlining and stick it back up.

[@PeterMolyneux-l2y]

I had the 6 cylinder version of this. I felt like a king driving it. It never needed a penny spending on it apart from tyres servicing and an alternator. I nearly chickened out of the deal for its replacement when I went to pick my new car up. I still regret parting with it. I'd keep it for a weekend toy if I were you.

[@michaelhilton8439]

You're right! I bought a 96 3.2 litre for £400 in 2017 and it's still my daily driver. Nothing ever goes wrong with it so why change it? Plus, living in Europe it runs on ethanol E85 without the slightest modification.

[@martingliddon3085]

@@michaelhilton8439 the best car Jaguar ever built.

[@Jack-P-07]

Great video as always Matt, this is actually an X300 series (V12 was Codenamed X305) not an X308 you'll notice with the interior styling and Rectangle instead of oval indicators. It has a GM 4L80-E 4-Speed Auto gear box. I'd grab the steering wheel from the sovereign with the timber. Many of the issues (internal mirror etc) are easily replaced. When they dont rust these are getting a reputation of the Toyota of Jaguars as they effectively go forever. There are also quite a few kits to enhance the power of that V12 largely derived from Tom Walkinshaw's work. Looks like a great example. Thanks for a great vid again.

[@Theoriginalbigbrillo]

Correct Sir , the X308 had the shorter chrome bumper trims front and rear One of the reasons i loved the X300 with its full chrome bumper trims and of course that sublime straight 6 3.2 litre Engine as opposed to the troublesome v6 that replaced it 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@benllewelyn98]

As a child in the late 90's/ early 00's my dad daily drove an absolute heap of a double 6 carpets were structural to the floor of the car because of the rot filled with water every time it rained never worked right once but he loved it it go stolen from a multistorey in cardiff in the end. He replaced it with an x308 xjr

[@garethshaw5165]

My grandad had a 1974 Daimler Double Six in turquoise I loved that car

[@jamesdowling9759]

And your broom will look after you 😂 as long as it’s not had 17 new engines and 14 new gearboxes in its time. I do love a Jag. Used to be driven by both ends of the criminal spectrum. The villains and the barristers putting them away. Just pure class.

[@martingliddon3085]

Quick rule of thumb for all X300 type cars. If the clock is still working…it’s a good car!

[@michaelrickard4682]

One of the best cars you’ve ever featured, irrespective of age or current value

[@gunnarMyTube]

The act of letting a known cadre of craftsmen fix some flaws was a great value enhancer.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

As a kid I got a lift in a 1985 jag XJ6 in burgundy with tan leather and pepper pot wheels. Still want one today.

[@danielalexander8588]

I know I'll be watching this one more than once! What a beautiful car. As soon as I saw Daimler Double Six I had to 'like' the video!

[@garymillerlcs]

Another great video Matt and a fabulous car. Shame it can’t be preserved in a museum really. Hope it goes to an enthusiast rather than be just used as a runaround until something brakes. That engine is an absolute gem.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I hope so too!

[@NorthernsoulBoy63]

This was one of my first 5 cars . Magnificent

[@rosemary5531]

Beautiful car. Thanks for the video. Once cleaned, she looked a totally different vehicle.

[@alanwayte432]

My late father had a 1998 version with 4500.00 miles, he passed away last year, serviced every year, always garaged, I took it to our holiday home in Midi-Pyrenees France a 800 mile journey, I own a BMW 540 2021, the word I would use is Waft...I got there in a day, and it was effortless, 100mph on Motorway, average 16 mpg😢, I stoped at our rural garage outside Toulouse to fill up and buy some groceries, when I came out there were four people admiring the car, the local Doctor offered me 11K as he loved English cars, he drove a 1979 Rover SD1 S V8 in Green, when I went back in September he asked myself and my Wife out to dinner, he picked us up, and the car was absolutely stunning, my Dad would be so happy, The SD1 was also immaculate ❤

[@first4businessadvice]

Loved this video Matt! I bought an ex demo of this exact car in 1997 from Minster Jaguar in York. Absolutely loved it! It was like driving a magic carpet! Frost blue with nimbus grey interior

[@Brian-om2hh]

It's a beautiful car, no doubt about it. But that fuel consumption. Oh dear.....

[@Keepingitrespectfulmostly.]

I, used to own a Daimler V12, S registration. (1977) One Saturday morning, many moons ago I saw it for sale but didn't have enough to even make an offer. Saw an advert for a Hi - Ace van I could afford, if I could get the asking price down a bit. Managed to get the van, clean it up thoroughly and sell it that morning. Made enough to go after the Daimler. Talk the asking price down and low and behold drove home in it. After breaking down on motorway as ran out of fuel. Sent the then girlfriend off with a petrol can, bless her. Many a good holiday in Devon etc followed. Had to eventually sell her, could not afford to run her any longer. The ex not the Daimler. I, miss that vehicle to this day and always wondered what happened to it and how it was doing? Small problem with closing bonnet. Slightly out of line but closed fully in the end. Lovely golden bronze paintwork and black vinyl roof. Walnut trim and a kickdown that threw you back into the seat, even going uphill. Happy Days.

[@andybarry3435]

My cousin was a used car salesman in the 80s and took us for a spin in a Rover P5. It felt palatial at the time. If I were to buy a classic today, it'd have to be Bentley I reckon.

[@Brian-om2hh]

If I suddenly came into many millions of pounds, I'd also go for a Bentley. A Flying Spur would be my choice. Looks like something you'd see the Queen sat in the back of, but can top 200 mph....

[@jdmjapfest512]

these daimlers are my dream cars my grandad used to own one REG F 97 WWD 1988 used to go from london to Birmingham everyday and plenty of stories

[@domknill]

A friend of my dad had a Daimler Double Six. It was a behemoth on the outside but incredibly cramped on the inside. Like the opposite of the Tardis. Amazingly smooth thing to ride in though. Pure luxury.

[@dsummers8191]

RA Creamer & Sons had very charming London mews premises and were Jaguar's oldest dealer. They also held the Royal Warrant. It was a magical place to discover on a walk through that part of London. I seem to recall that they closed as they could not meet the new Jaguar corporate identity. If going for retro plates and given that the car has been there you cannot really get better than RA Creamer & Sons for period correct distinction. I see that they have now morphed into a specialist called Quinn Lyons. As for the V12 what a glorious machine. Thank you.

[@steveparlow7322]

Hi Matt .... this is the x300 series and was the last XJ to have the V12, Ford quickly re-engineered the car and it became the x308 and has new interior which is why your XJ didn't have the switch panel around the steering wheel. X300 wasn't in production very long.

[@AndyK.1]

V12s were x305

[@AndyK.1]

Always remember clarksons video on the XJR8 and the drag race. Mentioned the switch panel. Look it up YT.

[@colino72]

@@AndyK.1Yep, and that interior was a legacy from the XJ40 (although much improved and better screwed together by Ford!).

[@mikeroz6549]

The XJ40 had a bulkhead and engine compartment redesign in about 1993 to take the V12. The X300 was very similar to the late XJ40s. At the same time the XJ40s got airbags. The engineers originally designed the first XJ40 so that it couldn't take a V-engine because they feared that they were going to be forced to use the Rover V8. This is why they continued to make the Series 3 XJ12 alongside the XJ40 until 1992.

[@MagnyCoors]

V12 was the only trump card over the competition by 1996 as the X300 was outclassed. That's why I like as early an example as possible as they were more competitive in their first year or so.

[@TheUkuleleMan]

In 1973 I was working for one of the old Pye companies as a clerk in the service department. I also did a lot of goffering in company cars. One of my jobs was to ferry around a Progress Chaser who didn't drive. I'd take him to suppliers and sometimes shopping for his wife! I always loved it when we visited one particular supplier as the boss of a neighbouring business had a new Double Six Vanden Plas in damson with a black vinyl roof. I would spent all the waiting time oggling it and hoping I might own one some day. Sadly I'm still waiting though I have done five Jags. If I had eight grand knocking around I'd snap this beauty up no problem. I read some years back that the Double Six was Lord Stokes (British Leyland boss) favourite car. It's sad to think that such lovely machines are fading into history as battery boxes take over. Such folly.

[@craigodonnell6316]

The carVertical report said it's a diesel (5:25). Can't imagine how much torque a V12 diesel would have! Someone must have made a mistake somewhere along the way. I'm a Jag lover, always have been so get quite giddy when I see one on your channel. Sad man... Great video, as ever.

[@catafalque3634]

I’ve just bought an 1997 XJ8 4.0 V8. An x308 in dark green and in very similar condition to yours, pampered all its life and in beautiful condition. Like you said, a proper car. A majestic driving experience in normal mode but push the sport button and use the J gate and it turns into a howling brute. Splendid! I paid a ludicrous £4500 for it. Keep it and enjoy it Matt, they can only go up in value. Cheerio.

[@swirlgalaxy]

Howdy Matt!! You should be proud of the fact that you have such a memory for all the facts of the cars that you deal with! You really have the best attitude when it comes to all the vehicles you deal with! I certainly would trust your insight for a vehicle when I finally get to the UK!!!!!! Big hugs from Kenny Ohio USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@Afraz_9n3]

Don't come here believe me😂😂the country has gone to shit you don't want to come here to stay. For a trip fair enough but to live here? Absolutely not

[@glenbetton3146]

@@Afraz_9n3 I left in 1988 and it was already on that path. Sad to say it !

[@WillPearsonAviation]

@@Afraz_9n3ah mate, couldn’t agree more, I used to think this country was amazing, I was proud to be British, But oohhh no, thanks to the appalling government we have, this country has fallen to a depressing shambles 😩😩

[@Brigitte.286]

& there is no QE2 or Diana

[@lukespector5550]

Look everyone. British & Italian cars are all about emotion, charm & sense of occasion. Generally, the more you drive them the more reliable they become over time. I've even had Maserati Biturbo 228 as my only car. You'll spend MORE than the price of the car itself on maintenance of the bloody thing if you're dedicated. Germans & Japanese simply can't match the feeling you get with British & Italian.

[@GableEnder9]

Beautiful car, Matt. It really looked the business after a good clean. Wouldn’t like the fuel bill, mind you! Daimlers aren’t cars you drive in, but travel in! Bet you keep it……..!

[@madontherun]

You can literally see the fuel gauge move as you drive

[@stuartmoles843]

Love a V12 XJ, my dad’s business partner had a new 1973? Daimler Vanden Plas S1 V12 in Heather (pink) it was a wonderful thing, can remember going around Piccadilly Circus sideways early one morning😂 As kids it was much more interesting than my dads rather plain mercedes

[@geoffredrup9616]

The colour looked so much better once cleaned, re-sprayed and buffed. Good car for a collector. I did notice the sign at Smithy Lane (now famous) - a quiet lane, which includes icons for for bicycles, horse riders and second hand car dealer cost appraisals. Well done, Matt.

[@alechappy2070]

hahahah!

[@johnnunn8688]

Of course the spare is pristine. One does not dirty one’s hands, one calls out a little man to rescue one.

[@jonathanfletcher9533]

Excellent vid Matt. I must make a confession, I usually watch until you start the test drive then I can't help but fast forward to the 'reveal' I just love to see the transformation, especially for these classic examples that you, in your nostalgic haze, feel are worth saving! This Daimler now looks incredible - just my cup of tea! Toodle pip.

[@gregharvie3896]

Hi from Sydney, Australia, these x300 xj12's have a GM 4 speed 4L80E automatic, basically an update of the old GM THM400 3 speed that was in the original v12's and also in the series 3, 4.2 litre6cyl XJ's with an extra virtual overdrive gear thrown in initially a vacuum controlled one called a GM THM700, then with the 4L80E its electronic the E at the end means it has a small computer to integrate it into more modern cars with other electronics on board, these are FANTASTIC long life gearbox capable of 800horsepower in either version , electronic , or vacuum controlled. GM THM700's & 4L80E's SHOULD NEVER BE confused with the 4L60E's & earlier vacuum-controlled sibling THM700-R4 these were crap and had issues the nomenclature is almost the same, but one pair is fantastic, and the other pair are "shite". These GM automatics are way stronger than the Merc' auto box, or the ZF's also in some later models and were used in GMC and Chevy Suburban's and a host of other heavy vehicles needing a tough, strong and reliable automatic, OR now modern custom builds with 800HP or more engines, then for a rear axle, the said same people will fit one of the giant rear wheel drive 13.5 inch Cadillac diff and axle units from 1971 to '76, they make the Ford 9" diff look like it was taken from a "tonka-toy". Plus, if one of these GM automatics fails, to service/repair them it's like 1/3 of the later ZF & Mercedes automatics repair cost. Your XJR was the later x308, this is the earlier XJ300 and when new you could order the very special long wheelbase, with taller roof, XJ 300 Insignia's or the even more expensive LWB xj 300 Majestic's, watch an old doco' and you would see dame Thatcher alight from one with oceans of headroom and rear legroom, PLUS, hers was a "sentinel" one of the bullet and bomb proof versions. Just about 2 years back QE2's dark Sherwood green supercharged v8 xj308 LWB sedan was for sale had been sold by the Royal Mews, not kept long and re-sold. A few years prior to that QE2's prior LWB xj300 V12 had also been sold. Both of QE2's XJ's had been the rare LWB versions earlier one a xj300 v12, then the later a xj308 v8 supercharged. The earlier one an upmarket lavish Majestic, the later one a more basic Insignia, however both were "sentinels." When you see one of the rare long wheelbase cars with the taller roof, something about the design dynamics, when viewed side on, just seems the more handsome, better design outcome than the standard-length car. In some other old doco's you will see QE2 driving herself in both of these lavish dark green cars, mostly in and around her beloved Balmoral home in Scotland. Here in Sydney, I own and drive both brands, Jaguars and Cadillacs, Mr Lyons and his later successors at Jaguar had a habit of buying some of GM's "best bits" to stop any warranty claims. Alternators, power steering pumps, air conditioning units, gearboxes and also radiators to name but a few.

[@alanhunter2009]

Had an XJ81 (XJ40 6litre V12) for 14 years, bought at 18 months old for half the new price. Mind you, any saving soon went with a VERY BEST of 18-20mpg. For several years I worked in town and had a commute of 3 miles each way in heavy traffic which resulted in 6mpg , a gallon per day! Nice place to sit though.

[@DAVIDGILLEY-o8b]

when I was 18 I swapped my Daimler V8 in for a 1972 S1 Double Six SWB in black with webasto roof and have spent the last 40 years trying to get another ! - excellent channel love the cheap PX videos

[@anb2456]

hey Matt, if you're getting bored with the quick turnovers of everyday cars, why not do more of these classics from the 80s and 90s? I would love to see more classics like this

[@danielearley5062]

That sounds like a recommendation for a new channel, High Peak Classics perhaps? Looking at some of the comments on here, I get the feeling that it would go down very well.

[@jasonsellars8112]

What a great old barge and not many on the road, I have purchased a 2006 Lexus GS450h 3.5 v6 , totally wrong thing to buy in the current climate but you are only here once ,as a daily driver it's great to waft along in and also the 0-60 in 5.6 seconds help. This Daimler reminds me of the same...a waft around in car.....oh the pull down wooden trays in the rear...just brilliant..

[@timnetherton727]

Marvellous video Matt - really enjoyed that! Here’s another word to describe the Daimler - imperious 😁 My brother in law used to own one - he was a surgeon. You would have needed deep pockets to buy and run such a beautiful ‘carriage’. I hope it finds an owner who continues to treat it with the care and respect it deserves 🙂👍

[@mstc72]

Love a double six .when I was small in 70s we had a red Daimler van den plas double six .loved that car ,had sheepskin over Rugs etc

[@John-Sacrimoni]

Keep it Matt, you can at least be Arthur Daley for a bit.

[@bamog4560]

The condition of the underside of the car was fantastic considering it’s age

[@vailydragon]

Beautiful. 8 years ago I part ex my 2008 XJ for 6K. Such a great car to drive and still a little sad I never kept it - Fantastic, classically styled longevity.

[@stigmoltu-jacobsen]

Thanks for an excellent video Matt! If I were you I would keep and cherish this wonderful DDS. I own a ‘95 Daimler Six, Westminster Blue/Oatmeal, and really love it. Despite its age and mileage, it feels and drives like a 2-3 year old car, and had been babied from new.

[@richardgriffiths3075]

Kensington Mews always had a lot of little garages where the blue bloods used to have their Bentleys and Bristols serviced.

[@adampyro834]

in 1999 when i was a trainee mechanic me and other trainees had a discussion about engines, me and a few others prefered V6, V8 and V10 ok too but thought V12 was generally too heavy for no or little extra power (other than in such as formula one maybe). but there was a few that thought the more cylinders you have the better... i still prefer V6, V8 or V10

[@davidoldboy5425]

I always wanted one of these, keep it Matt

[@fatbelly27]

Colour is very contemporary. Nice car

[@tigermcflash131]

A lovely car and a genuine classic. I've had 6 V12s over the years including XJSs in both 5.3 and 6 litre variants. I always managed over 20 mpg average on all of them, and this is easily achievable. They are actually economical in relative terms and are always a true pleasure to drive. Going out in a V12 is always an 'event'.....not just a trip out. Good luck with your Daimler.....you have done it proud!

[@Dawid698]

This car is pure example of art and old schools of British motory . I would love to see more of them on the road . I hope one day Jaguar brand will come back to UK 🇬🇧 owner .

[@colliedogjoy]

Loving your work, Matt. You use what you know, and who you know, to trouble shoot these old things, and charge accordingly. This Daimler is now so much more desirable than it was when you got it, and yet you're asking 3/4 of the money the previous seller was asking. Best of luck and Merry Christmas!

[@kb9072]

My Dad did chauffeuring for Total (1977). They had 5.3 V12 Jags Series II. He occasionally brought one home and as a 7 year old I fell in love. His own car was an Austin 1100 so quite a difference. I remember going 50 mph and being confused that it was almost silent and floated along.

[@SteveDelves-vy5mr]

Like you Matt, I love old Jaguars. I've had so many & I've loved them all even if they were grief. Just don't stop doing what you do best, keeping old cars on the road, much better than all this crap new stuff. 👍🙂

[@skimmingstoness]

My old man had a 1996 3.2 XJ Sport in the early 2000's in black with cream leather and these unique cloth centres which someone paid a grand extra for. It glided over bumps but didn't do me any favours in grammar school a few people called me Prescott.

[@godspeed6315]

I know you like your Daimler/ JLR brands a lot Matt but must say it does look the business after that overspend!👌

[@tedthesailor172]

I spent 3 delightful months with one of these beasts back in the day and it was a joy. But one as old as this? As the saying goes, "When she's goods she's very, very good; but when she's bad she's horrid..."

[@laurfrt]

I just find it crazy that in Britain you can get 6.0 V12 for 5000£. I live in mainland Europe and paid 6000€ for my 2013 Renault Clio 1.5

[@paultasker7788]

That is because v12s are cheap because they are expensive to maintain, cost a lot in fuel and therefore don't appeal to the mass market although they're cool and make you tempted! Really good value for money. The Clio will keep falling in value whereas the Daimler will start to go back up again as it's rare and will become a classic

[@Jagggggg88]

This one consumes 15liter or more. Also for instance in my country Belgium, you pay 3000€ tax a year for this 6L

[@richardbarrett8099]

You can get the steering wheel recovered by Royal steering wheels, Aylesbury, they will do a fantastic job. They are not shag pile carpets, they are lambs wool mats, and would have cost about £400 new! I had a Daimler Super V8 for short while, fantastic car but prone to rust! Much preferred my jaguar X350 V8 :)

[@timwy]

I'd love to own this car. I had a 5.7L V8 Grand Cherokee up till a couple of years ago. Fuel prices were a little less poverty inducing then though. If I owned it I think I'd call her Greta 🙂.

[@jonbell6355]

What a beautiful car. I used to work on the air con systems on these for a local garage. i can remember one having to have a can of petrol added as it had run out. that can lasted about 10 mins of stationary idling and gentle revving to test the air con after re gassing. still a wonderfull car though. makes you smile to see and hear it.

[@simonbarringer3415]

What a splendid video cheerio now 😂

[@Bikeops2021]

VIN Number is more valuable when doing a car vertical check! Preferably use both reg & vin.

[@AlexKing-p3b]

What a car Matt. Love it.

[@theodavies8754]

Bit of a monster. Had a '76 XJS 5.3 when everyone said how ugly they were. Got an S type 4.0 which goes up hills just fine. Second owner.

[@andrewjackson9741]

Love it, dad had 2 of thease! Pub land lord. Grate car... and the smell 😊

[@benny_mc]

Last time I was this early Matt was coming in under budget 😂

[@NEEEBODY]

Great car.... but a word of caution about the rear view mirror... back in the late 1990's I had a lot of Ford Scorpio Cosworths, they had the auto-dimming rear view mirrors made by the same company as made them for many cars of the time, including Jaguar and Daimler. The mirrors had a reputation for "blowing" like the one in the Daimler, and if you were unlucky, the liquid would leak and drop onto the interior trim and damage it.... (Think like when the alien blood in the film melted through the decks of the Nostromo!!) It may be worth putting a manual one in until you find a replacement!!

[@Awais_384]

Love the content matt keep up thr great work 😊😊

[@kjellhmyhre2374]

One of the most gracious vehicles ever built! Alongside the Rover SD 1 and probably the 75. "I drive the flag!" ♥

[@igormac88]

I think trying to get it into absolute mint condition is turning it into a money pit. I'd probably get it in the most reliable condition possible and use it like a 2nd or 3rd car with some regularity.. But wow this is the real deal boss car. Great example with a lot of history and definitely will go to a nice place.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Totally agree

[@Atombender]

17:48 A very common feature of an early to mid 90's car: You could either opt for the passenger airbag and lose the glove box because the airbag module was so large or you could keep the glove box at the risk of your passenger smashing his/her face into it during a frontal crash.

[@garyhalkon8749]

So happy you ended the video with "Cheerio" 😂