1980 Daimler Double Six Saloon

Description

The third and final development of the original XJ Jaguar model was announced in March 1979, with the styling gracefully reinterpreted by Pininfarina (the first time Jaguar had outsourced styling) and a host of engineering changes under the skin. Not only did the Series 3 XJ boast more modern styling, with greater glass area, but huge improvements in build quality along with innovations like a five-speed gearbox (another Jaguar first, although most were fitted with automatic transmissions) and cruise control. The interior was updated and the fully adjustable seats were a big improvement. Once more, the Daimler badged XJ was the flagship model and the famous fluted radiator was found on the Sovereign and 4.2 Vanden Plas models along with the Double Six powered by the silky smooth and powerful 5.3-litre V12. The Daimler naturally enough featured a plusher interior and the Double Six came with air conditioning as standard, along with individual-style rear seats (with detachable headrests), electrically controlled front seats and deep pile carpets. According to the sales literature, "The Series 3 is a beautiful synthesis of everything that Daimler was and everything that today's owner and driver will expect his Daimler to be." The Double Six is a classic Daimler saloon that can be enjoyed every day, with no shortage of spares or specialists able to work on them, and can be immensely rewarding cars to own.