1968 Daimler Sovereign 420

Description

Owned from new by F1 driver John Campbell-Jones and has remained in the family ever since; lightly restored in 2005 including full repaint, new fuel tanks and stainless steel exhaust; for recommissioning following 16 years in storage

To those in the know, the 420 is perhaps the ultimate classic Jaguar saloon. Bigger and more luxurious than the MkII that it replaced, it also had superior ride and handling thanks to its independent rear suspension.

The front-end styling was like a scaled down MkX and the 4.2-litre engine was virtually to E-Type spec, producing 245bhp and 283lb/ft of torque with a top speed of 125mph and a 0-60 time just under 10 seconds. Further refinements included optional power steering, dual circuit brakes, alternator electrics and a limited-slip differential.

Priced at £2,064 including tax, it was less than half the price of a Bristol 410 Saloon and less than one-third the price of a contemporary T-Series Bentley but was easily the equal of both these cars. Only in production from 1966 to 1968, just 10,236 Jaguar 420s were made, along with 5,824 Daimler versions, so it is a comparatively rare model.

This Daimler Sovereign 420 Automatic was bought new by F1 driver John Campbell-Jones in May 1968 and has remained in the family ever since, the V5C recording two keepers. Apart from an undated Leycare invoice for a full service when the car had covered 4,767 miles, there is sadly no real service history but we are told that the car was always well looked after and the indicated mileage of 96,848 is correct. (Since this was written, we have now received some maintenace records including at Charles Follett Ltd for its 1,000 mile service and a further one by Daimler Co Ltd at 4,907 miles)

In 2005 the Daimler was moved from the family home in London to a second home in Herefordshire where it was sympathetically restored by Ridgeview Motors of Kington. This included localised bodywork repairs and a full repaint; two new fuel tanks; new stainless steel exhaust system; new headlamps and a full service (invoice on file). It was then MOT’d and in use during 2006/07 before being put back into storage where it has remained ever since.

As you can see in the photos, it looks very sound and presentable with a nicely mellowed interior that should clean up well, the only damage we noted being a tear to one panel on the passenger seat squab. No attempt has been made to start the car, but the engine still turns and the car rolls easily. Being a Daimler version, it also benefits from Marles Varamatic power steering. A b/w photo of John Campbell-Jones in action is also included. 

On offer here as a straightforward recommissioning project at a very modest guide price, this rare Daimler Sovereign, with its interesting F1 provenance and single-family ownership, shouldn’t take too much work to get it back on the road where it belongs.  

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com