Daimler - Double Six Vanden Plas - 1973

GENERAL

The 1973 Daimler Double-Six Vanden Plas Series 1, the epitome of what Jaguar and sir Williams Lyons could offer its customers in the 70ties, looking majestic with it's long sleek body
The series 1 Daimler DD6 VdP was built in only 351 units from September 1972 to September 1973 making this model very rare, and only a few has survived, especially in this condition. Targeting Rolls Royce and Bentley customers including the late Queen mother at the time who owned one for her personal transportation.


This car has chassis no 2B1330BW making it one of the very last built, no 330 of 351. It was first registered in UK, Cambridgeshire area August 14 1973 as YVE 500M and was exported to Sweden in September 1986 still carrying YVE 500M. No records of keepers or other documentation in UK are known. In Sweden it has had 7 enthusiast owners. Milage at time for import to Sweden was recorded to 36319 miles. Today the odometer reads 82734 miles. The speedometer face is changed to show km/h but odometer is original and not changed.



BODY & PAINT

In regard to the low miles and judging from its present condition this car has never been run down, but it has had a part restoration in the late 80s with a respray in the original "Caramel" color and probably new carpets after import to Sweden. No rust can be found. As it is almost 40 years since respray, paint has at some places begun to crack and peel. To prevent further spreading of cracks, touch up of these areas has been carried out, not professionally but with an acceptable result. The bonnet especially has suffered badly from engine heat, and looks OK but only average after touch up. The car still looks very nice overall, but deserves a total respray to get i back to its former glory.



TECHNICAL


The engine is the first version of the epic 5.3 litre Jaguar V12, introduced in the E-type, making it the "fastest full four-seater available in the world." In this early application the V12 was fitted with four carburetors producing 309bhp. This is mated to a Type 12 Borg Warner three speed automatic gearbox.
The engine in this car is original and untouched and not detailed to enhance its looks, only serviced and maintained through the years. Due to a very limited use the last years, the engine needs a service to run properly. It can be a little hard to start when cold, and runs a little rough. Gearbox shifts smooth and without problems
Mechanicly it has a leak in rear left breakcalliper which should be attended to, but is presently solved by adding fluid to the reservoir.

The car is registered and in use and can be driven without problems, and has a valid MOT



INTERIOR


Unique for the Van den Plas version is the improved quality of leather and carpets to meet the highest standard. In this car the leather is still in perfect condition without tears ore cracks. The headrests could need new upholstery. Carpets are probably changed to new when the car was restored, but in original quality. Wood on doors has some minor cracks, but dashboard is perfectly fine. A/C does not blow cold, and needs attention and refill.



DOCUMENTATION

The car has a Swedish registration and a valid MOT. No documentation from UK owners and service history. Copies of import/registration and Swedish owner documents are present.



LOCATION & VIEWING

Car is located 15min from Arlanda airport outside Stockholm, and can be viewed there