1996 DAIMLER DOUBLE SIX LWB - 20,381 MILES

This 1996 Daimler Double Six LWB is a very smart example of the lesser-seen luxury saloon, presented with very low mileage from new, and in impressive original condition. On opening the front-hinged bonnet, you are met by the sublimely smooth 6.0-litre V12, which produces 315bhp and drives the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer indicates a mere 20,381 miles.

An original UK-market car, this X300-generation Double Six was first registered in January 1996, and was acquired by the seller one year ago. There are just four previous keepers on the V5C, though one of these is also the seller, who sold it to the last owner before buying it back again.

Today, its bodywork is in excellent condition, with straight panels and even shut lines. Believed to be entirely original, the silver paintwork is also in very good order, with only a few age-related blemishes, including corrosion beside the fuel filler flap, a mark below the trim strip on the driver’s door and some small drilled holes in the rear number plate panel. The brightwork, including Daimler’s signature fluted grille has been polished to a high shine, and the engine bay also presents well; however the central panel plastic engine cover is missing.

In 2019, the previous owner commissioned some welding repairs to the floor pans and inner sills at Jaguar specialist M.R. Motors in Southport. This appears to have been a preventative measure to stop minor corrosion from worsening, as there have been no chassis or floor rust issues flagged on recent MOTs. The car rides on the original set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which are still fitted with their correct hub caps and are in good shape, though the front passenger-side item would benefit from refurbishment in due course to remove some minor kerb scratches from its rim.

In the opulently-trimmed cabin, the seats, centre console and door cards are upholstered in handsome grey leather, and present very well. There is some minor wear and creasing to the driver’s seat in line with the car’s use, and marks on the back of the front passenger seat, suggesting that the car may have been chauffeur-driven in the past. The dashboard, centre console and door cards are all fitted with burl walnut trim, which is in excellent condition, and adds a sense of class and refinement to the cabin. Hewn from the same wood, the rear folding picnic tables are in great shape, providing the rear passengers with a space to work or relax while on the move.

Factory-fitted equipment includes heated and electrically adjustable front and rear seats, air-conditioning, a radio/cassette player, and cruise control. The vendor notes that the electric sunroof is not currently functioning; however they will have this repaired prior to the car’s handover. Otherwise, all the buttons, switches and electrical items work without fault, and there are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard.

This Daimler’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in December 2020, when the engine oil and filter were replaced by Blacker Road Garage.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 29 October 2020 at 20,271 miles. After an inoperative nearside parking brake and a binding offside rear service brake were repaired, the car passed with only one advisory for feathering on the inner edge of the nearside rear tyre. The front wheels are fitted with Pirelli P6000 tyres, while there are Pirelli P4000s at the rear. The vendor states that they are in good order, apart from the nearside rear item, which is worn as noted in the car’s last MOT test.

This Double Six will be accompanied by its logbook, documentation of its HPI mileage check, and a few receipts for its more recent maintenance.

This Daimler Double Six LWB is a wonderful example of the modern classic luxury saloon. Presented in highly original condition and with low mileage from new, it would be a credit to any assembly of British vehicles. It would make a fine companion for long-distance road trips, but could also be well-suited to life as a leftfield family car, providing its passengers with all of the space and refinement they could hope for on a daily basis.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.