The car passed through a number of different owners between 1975 and was re-registered under its present mark. In 1979, with less than 40,000 miles, it was acquired by Mr Radley of Essex, who kept it until 1997. Mr Radley was meticulous in looking after the car, and was rewarded with several concours prizes in XJ Register club events. He also exhibited the car at the Classic Car Show held at the NEC from 1992 to 1994.

In January 1997, Mr Radley decided to offer this 22-year old Daimler Sovereign with about 60,000 miles on the clock to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and we were delighted to accept this generous donation of such a well-maintained car with a fully documented history.

This car filled an important gap in the Trust’s collection of the Daimler marque.

The Series 2 models of the successful Sovereign and Double Six ranges were introduced in 1973 and continued in production until early 1979. The revised range featured new bumpers and radiator grilles compared with the original Series 1 models. The saloons were, from 1974, built only on the longer wheelbase, and the 2.8 litre engine was discontinued. This Sovereign 4.2 litre long wheelbase saloon therefore represents the typical Daimler Series 2 model, and of a total of 127,961 Jaguar and Daimler Series 2 cars, there were 14,531 of this particular version.

This car was built in November 1974 and was despatched to the old-established Daimler distributor Stratstone in London. It was supplied through Halls of Finchley to its first owner, a London company, in January 1975. The price of the car was then £4,800. The car originally carried a personalised registration mark. The attractive combination of British Racing Green with Cinnamon trim is a favourite colour scheme with many Jaguar and Daimler owners.