As a 6/7 year old I had a short ride in a Series II 5.3 Litre V12 Jag. My Dad was doing abit of Chauffeuring. He usaully chauffeured a Volvo but one day had the Jag on the fleet. I was staying with my Nan in Fulham and he was between jobs not far away so came and woke me up (it was quite late) to give me a ride. I'm 52 now and will always remember it was a world away from his own Austin 1100 or the Volvo. I remember seeing the speedo read 55mph but there was no noise and perfectly smooth ride. What a wonderful car.
You can thank Geoff Lawson for the design of the Jaguar cars after 1994. He took the design back to the series 1 & 2. Until Ford sold out. The X300 was voted the most beautiful sedan in the world by a team of Milanese designers. I know William Lyons would have stood this car against the E Type anytime. He just loved his series 1 and said it was the best car he ever made.
Thank you very much for the great video. I live in Germany and I have a regency red Daimler Double Six Serie 3 built in 1992 with only 40.000 miles. I love the old Jag's and this great dreamcar. Thank you Sir William Lyons for the great styling. No other car in the world has more charisma. I am very happy to drive this car. Best regards from Germany!
@@bikerman6907 I'm a mechanic - qualified too not self appointed TH-cam type. Mercedes Benz trained. I actually own a 1980 S3 Daimler Double Six. Worked on many V12 Jags over the years. I use my trade to indulge in the V12 Jag/Daimler. One of the few perks of being a mechanic. In answer to your question, the concept I'm about to impart goes for any luxury car and it is this: Owning a V12 Jag/Daimler can be likened to surfing if I may use such an analogy. In order to catch the wave one needs to be 10 paces in front of the wave at all times. Maintenance on all luxury cars/boats etc needs to be kept at all times 10 paces in front. If you let the maintenance slip to say 5 paces behind the crest of the wave, then no matter how hard you paddle you're never going to catch the wave. If you want to get to 10 paces in front when you're 10 paces behind the wave then you need to go 20 paces. Think about that. If 10 paces in front of the maintenance, when something goes wrong you're well prepared for it. To get 10 paces in front requires the owner knowing as much about their car as possible. Buy all the manuals and read them as much as possible. Stay away from online forums as they're 90% full of the most profoundly ignorant BS where opinion is passed off as fact. Almost but not all of it is lies, so I stay away from them. I get so annoyed by them that I never read them now as I get shouted down when I'm the damn professional. Even today, a quick read of posts 15 years old gets my blood boiling that's how bad these sites are. There is one site that has a free published owners manual as submitted by users and professionals and that is a great resource but the forums are the usual angst ridden pissing contest combined with people who have obviously never owned a V12 offering opinion as fact but not answering your question because they can't. Take the overheating myth for example. It is incredibly persistent this myth and it is an example of the lies. These V12 equipped cars don't intrinsically overheat. Any car will overheat if the fan clutch is worn out and won't lock up, the auxilliary fan seized, the radiator blocked up, and the thermostat[s] stuck. I have had an HE S3 V12 on a 43deg C day in a large regional town in Australia idling in a shed for more than an hour after I regassed the air conditioning. The temperature in that shed was about 55deg C! I was drenched in sweat which is not uncommon for we mechanics working in the country over summer. Anyway, the coolant temp never at any point went past half way on the gauge. I've had a 1976 S2 pre HE V12 idling in traffic on 40deg C days with the aircond on and it didn't overheat either. They don't overheat but they can. There are some horrible jobs on them like a leaky RH rear exhaust manifold gasket on RHD cars where one of the studs comes out with the nut attached. It really is a very unpleasant time consuming job and causes a great deal of disassembly if the nut won't come off that stud as you can't get the stud out of the head, and if you can't do that then you can't get the manifold off the engine so you can't replace the gasket! These types of things are what gives them a bad reputation. They can be complex to work on. Handbrake shoes are a bit annoying too but not as bad as the exhaust stud imbroglio. All luxury cars are prone to this sort of stupid crap LOL.
For a lot of us it's simply going to come down to nostalgia, isn't it? The Series 3 for me - we had several when I was a kid and my dad used his V12 as a daily driver. I absolutely loved, loved, loved it. Got to have one!
I had a US spec 1995 XJ12, loved it, the drivetrain was indestructible but the front end bushings dissolved and like this guy says stay on top, the V12 is heavy and the bushings take a beating. The car was flawless until a front caliper ceased and melted the wires to the ABS modulator, and every light was lit on the dash, never able to solve the wiring out in the aftermath. I have to say, it was the nicest riding car for a trip and had a little grunt to it when needed. The smoothest engine, along with a very nice interior, very cool sled. Loved it but got rid of it after 19 years because of the electrical issues. BTW bought a Gen 2 V Caddy, and it’s awesome.
I owned a 1990 XJ40 and currently have a 1990 Series 3 XJ12 - I prefer the Series 3 - what a great ride and it feels timeless - such an honest elegant car.
I bought a early 1980's SIII Daimler Double Six. It was SENSATIONAL... It was like driving a magic carpet. I could drive a couple 100 miles and get out the other end with out a single groan or twinge. My father was so impressed when he borrowed it one day that when he eventually sold his Rolls Shadow, he bought a Jaguar V12.
@@user-rz6xb5mp2w Yes, very. However, it had an Achilles heel. The car was about 17 years old and one day the engine radiator was a one piece unit with gearbox oil intercooler and it failed and leaked water into the gearbox oil. I ended up fitting a standalone g/b oil cooler and ran about 5 gallons of g/b oil through to flush the wateroil mix out. That was the only fail/breakdown I suffered. If I bought one now I would fit a seperate oil cooler.
These cars are the epitome of British automotive achievement. Yes, we'll all be electric within the next ten years, but I'll be going out to 'classic' events as long as these beauties are allowed to draw breath! Thank you for sharing your experience of these amazing vehicles. Love and peace.
I owned an XJ X300 for 13 years, and she was one of the most reliable and economical (fuel costs excluded of course) car I've ever owned. And I've had over a dozen between BMW and Mercedes.
I aquired a 1994 4 ltr Daimler xj40 from a inheritance when I was 25 and ran it for 10 yrs as a daily driver and apart from a annual service required very little apart from a full rustproofing and rebush .it would return between 31 and 26 mgg no problem but after 280 miles performance plummeted to between 20 and 25 .10 yrs on I still regret selling it .The best car I ever owned it was gunmetal grey with a grey leather interior.I'm glad I had the experience and nothing else has really come close since .I would buy another and try to take better care of it if I could.Truly a car I would happy to be buried in .I still have my old woseley 1660 and rover 75 and mg b and classic range rover to fall back on but this trumps all of them for a daily driver .Apart from a Jenson interceptor that I would love in my garage.
I had 1989 V12 XJ6, great car but boy did it like to drink! I traded it in after only 3 months for 6.0 XJS which was easily the best Jaguar I've ever owned.
THX for the awesome video I have 03 jaguar xj8/x308 I bought it when she was four yrs.old with only 36 thousand miles right now it have 71 thousand everything original with no problems I love it
I had a Daimler Double Six........what a fabulous motor car.........I had a long journey too work every day.....but driving that car...made every journey a pleasure !
Loved seeing these, i had a series 3,5.3 v12 and the 305 in 6.0 v 12, the jag models not daimler, loved them both, but the when the 5.3 started it had a lovely sound spinning it over almost like an aeroplane,, great cars.....
My Dad owned a series 3 V12 saloon back in the early 90’s. Lovely to look at but clearly technically a car out of its time by then. We were invited to drive the newly introduced 6 Ltr V 12 XJ 40 by a Jag dealer. Boy the extra displacement and newer 4 speed box absolutely transformed the car. Although some may prefer the looks of the older car the newer 6 Litre car was truly a far better sports saloon.
The S III really is a lovely thing, timelessly elegant. I had a Sovereign in the 90s which turned out to be a nail, so I got out of it without a loss and moved on to an XJ40, also a Sovereign.
I like your video. I enjoyed learning from the information you gave and the relaxed presentation style. Nice job. That doesn’t seem to be much elegance around on the roads today, so it’s always nice to see one of these.
Great video. Beautiful cars, it’s a real shame no one makes anything like this anymore (outside of RR and Bentley but even they aren’t the same anymore). The x300 is my favourite XJ. Such a great design. Also such a shame there won’t be anymore XJ’s. A huge loss!
I had a 1978 4.2 Sovereign in dark blue. It was like being at home as soon as you sat in it - wonderful after a long day. I would almost certainly still have it if it hadn't been t-boned on the driver's door back in 1995 and written off. That I was able to walk away from that largely uninjured is testament to how well built these cars were. Sadly I just couldn't like the mid 90s Jaguar offerings however much I tried.
@@ColinMill1 my dad says jaguar went "a bit off" through 90s and I do agree with him! sorry yours got murdered(!), did you ever get anything similar? they really are just wonderful to drive! Dad always tell us "if I am in an accident Do Not let them cut me out" and hes deadly serious!!😅
@@rosec7008 Well, having lost the Sovereign I decided to go for a 5 Series BMW partly because the E34s were being heavily discounted after the release of the E39 and I got one at a steal. The interior was soulless after the Sov. but then everything else was at that time IMO. It did the job of transport well and for entertainment I eventually bought a Caterham (in kit form as befits a "Prisoner" fan). As we now live down a lane the council forgot it has we now have a Subaru for the load-shifter. The Caterham is mine in a way only a car you have built can be and they are going to have to prize the keys from my dead hand.
I owned an SIII Double Six as my daily driver right up until around 2006 when it was rear ended. -Insert expletives here.- . Although a previous owner had an overdrive installed. I think it was a gear vendor unit, which meant that on a good day with a tailwind mpg could nudge double figures. LOL but I didn't care because I just loved driving it. And i worked from home so only covered about 6 to 7k each year.
Beautiful car's!!! Unfortunately I can't afford a double six!!!!! Just a x350 sovereign 4.2 v8 2006 model!!!!. Hopefully one day I will have the pleasure of owning one!!!!!
One of the greatest engines ever made, a tribute to British engineering at its best. We will not see its like again, and given Jaguars shameful decision to cancel the new XJ I fear that we can wave goodbye to that venerable marque as a purveyor of cars of elegance and taste.
From what I read they'd decided it wouldn't fit in with their production facilities. If it does materialise eventually I hope it fits the grace, space and pace adage and isn't a stubby SUV that will be heavier and dynamically inferior. William Lyons will be turning in his grave.
@@JimBob_1975 I’d be very surprised if the XJ name doesn’t return at some point, Jaguar loves their heritage and to never use the XJ name again would be very unlike them. It’s a shame but Jaguar is a hard sell in the market, they didn’t sell well when they were in their full national trust mode, the S-Type for example which I own, I love it but it breaks constantly, I digress, and today in 2021 they struggle to move any at all. If it wasn’t for LR’s money they would’ve gone out of business years ago. They have to either adapt to the market, ie make SUV’s, or go out of business but, making quirky niche cars for you and me. It’s a shame but it’s just the way of the world.
I remember reading the sales brochure over and over for the x300 when it was released. The Daimler Double six had “real ruched leather” and I had no idea what that meant as a child. Also the sport had wool cloth and the base had wheel covers. For myself they have always been the Jaguar I want to own, if service costs were not a factor.
Great video Phil glad to see you looking well. You know what Im going to say which is the best? The x300 is the better car but the Series III is the best! Proper cars these! Best wishes Wyn Thomas
Series 1, 2 & 3 Jaguar XJ saloons- TO DIE FOR! Britain's greatest ever saloon car. Far more beautiful, elegant and stylish than later Jaguar saloons. The XF would put a glass eye to sleep! Give me a beautiful XJ V12 built in 1990 over a hi-tech *SOULLESS* German Mercedes barge all day, everyday!
I had an SIII Sovereign V12 with Koni adjustable shocks, and oversized tyres that just cleared the rear arches with a few mm shaved off the inside edge, which made all the difference to the handling and grip. With a mildly tuned engine, and the suspension and tyre mods, the SIII would be an almost perfect luxury GT, combining drivability, and unmatched comfort and style. Sadly my SIII eventually rusted away in the early 90s, as was the fate of so many of these beautiful cars including the V12s.
I found that Jaguar magazine on readly because I wanted to see which was best out of xk8 and boxster. No surprises that the Jaguar won. It'd be a surprise if the porsche won in a Jaguar magazine! I've travelled in the back of original v12 and it was incredibly smooth. Engine inaudible
Can't believe that lining is hanging down. I did mine first attempt in 3 hours for £40..easy peasy..You can also use the original card as a template which I did not think of...Old one did not break when I got it out...Lovey series still...
I had a x300 6 cyl that I really liked, it was sadly wrecked, and I upgraded to an xk8, but I keep wanting a v12, it’s a curse I will never satisfy until I actually get one
I have just purchased a 1996 XJ12 "X305," which was the last year we got the V12 in the US. 1996 was the year all cars in the US were required to be OBD2-compliant. The Jaguar 12-cylinder wasn't quite compliant, because the Nippon Denso ECU couldn't do continuous emissions monitoring. Jaguar USA was granted a one-year exemption to sell the XJ as such, but that expired after 1996, so we received no V12s for 1997, the final model year for the X300-series. Anyway, it's in British Racing Green, which is the proper color, and the LWB body. I believe our XJ12 was closest to the Daimler Double-Six in the UK and elsewhere. Normally, our XJ12s had a standard chrome grille and rear plate plinth, but with a gold growler on the grille. However, mine has the US-market Vanden Plas bits, which are the same fluted design as the Double-Six. I have the silver growler, but will be replacing it with a gold one in short order. I had two X350-series XJs, a 2004 Vanden Plas and a 2006 Vanden Plas...but I think the X300/X305 is so much better in terms of quality and ride, even though the X350s had air suspension. I'm excited!
Nice video. But you're completely wrong about the Series 3 Daimler Double Six being a barge that wafts along. I own one, and the suspension bushes were all replaced recently, and it drives like a sports car. Unbelievably precise steering, brakes & suspension. Feels like a 3-series Beemer to drive - perfect for twisty, fast A & B roads. That's how they were designed. Don't let a tired old example with worn suspension taint your view!
When the series 4 Jaguar XJ6 was introduced in October 1986 with straighter lines, the top model the Daimler Double Six continued in the shape of the series 3 and the reason being the V12 engine couldn't fit under the series 4 bonnet. It's a shame that new Daimlers are no longer available. It would be great to have a luxurious Daimler version of the latest Jaguars.
The best looking Jaguar ever build was the xj 2005 to 2009 hands down reliability! big body old school look modern has all the beautiful touches . Coming from jag collector.
I promise you that I will think of you when I travel with my beautiful Daimler Double Six Series 3 (here can you see my Daimler jaguar-forum.de/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14212&sid=8b8458da213228dedd7ccd213168e61d ) on the streets in Germany. I hope one day I can visit England . Then I will drive with my old elegant diva to Warwickshare to lay a flower on the grave of the greatest car creator of his era, William Lyons. I've been a big Jaguar fan since I was a kid. No other automobile in the world has as much charisma as the old Jaguar vehicles, especially the Daimler Double Six Series 3. I am always very happy when I drive this car. Best regards from me!
@@kevrob1784 Tata Motors via their ownership of Jaguar Land Rover also owns the rights to the Daimler brand. It is however unlikely to be resurrected since Jaguar LandRover lost the right to use the Daimler brand in the USA. Presumably to Daimler AG which means it has gone full circle since the German-born founder Frederick Richard Simms purchased the use of the Daimler name for Britain and the Empire from the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft Cannstadt back in 1891. Apparently Simms and Gottlieb Daimler were good friends.
I had a Series 3 Daimler Double Six and my only complaint was the light switch. Push pull and you need a manual to remember all the combinations. Ok it did 13mpg around town but on the motorway at 80mph it did close to 19mpg.
There is no Other Luxury Super Sedan Brand that made Cars this low, it's as if U sit in a Sportscar. This is what made the XJ Type's unique, it ended after the X308.
I find myself as a keen 24 year old car nut but didn't realize Daimler itself made cars and this "Jaguar copy", just saw one pop up on facebook and had to gather some more knowledge!
Great stuff Phil. Two similar and gorgeous cars that both looked stylish in their time. Plus an engine that did more than power an intercontinental waft, in a different form it won Le Mans too thanks to TWR. I still love the Mk X, if only it had got the 4.5 V8 Daimler lump.
97 XJ6 base in Denver CO USA here, while the leather was never great in base model, the car is eternally charming, and despite having very low market value, I splurged to have entire front suspension rebuilt. Although it’s tempting to want what one does not have (VP grade leather or a V12) the inline 6 makes charming sounds and is very reliable. It’s a great contrast to my 99 base 911 manual, and manages a highway glide that is somehow more entertaining than Lexus LS430 or mighty GSF. Hmm, now the rear suspension probably needs a bushing refresh and I hear that’s not easy/cheap….
Has to be the earlier V12 for me. Ironic that they reverted to the earlier styling with the X300 after the XJ40. I worked for Lucas throughout 90s & remember them having a pre-production XJ40 V12 in the workshop.
I fear this kind of luxury motoring will cease to be available to us in the near future, with the proliferation of 'green' vehicles, and the constant demonization of fossil fuels.
@@phil955i Dad's 2.8 was relatively unreliable. Something went bang that left a broken piston and some chunk of mangled steel on the sideboard for years after it was repaired. Not sure exactly what the cause was though. Something also went wrong with the transmission that made it very reluctant to upshift. That was fixed at the dealer too. May have been low on fluid!
Depends what you are looking for the 12 cylinder is for those who want the best and cost of maintenance is not a factor. The best bang for the buck would be to go for the next model the x308
No Daimlers here in Canada. Instead they are called the Jaguar Vanden Plas and have the Jag grill. I have one (series 3) and I love it- probably the most beautiful car the Brits ever made and prossibly even more striking than the XKE. A lot of these here lose their v12's and are replaced with small block chevy V8 motors which is a monumental tragedy.
You certainly can! shop.kelsey.co.uk/subscription/JWO should take you through. It might default to UK but select North America and a UK price with USD equivalent is listed - print, digital or both are available!
I’ve had both and the interior of the 305 doesn’t smell as a Daimler should it smells of synthetic materials mixed with the leather , so it’s the series for me , and looks much nicer
When Clarkson does his "I've got a jaaaaag" this is the jag you imagine.... s types... x types.. xf...all the others don't count.... especially the new XJ..
@@crystalmethking The XF would put a glass eye to sleep in terms of it's aesthetics! Sorry to rain on your parade, but the XF is as dull as ditch water to behold. It has none of the beauty, elegance, or style of the XJ series saloons. The XF looks exactly like an Audi from a distance- soulless! I will always turn and look at an XJ saloon on the rare occasion I see one, it NEVER look at an XF, or any of the contemporary Jaguars. Jaguar no longer build beautiful cars sadly. The XF comes with 'chromed' plastic- need I say more?!
I am Italian, I have owned a DAIMLER XJ4-6c-4000cc for 10 years, a dream car that despite being 30 years old competes with the new German flagships without problems. I see today the .... TATA LUX marked jaguar with the dead daimler brand, with their ridiculous 2000 turbo diesel engines that release hanged power (a repairman my friend has a 45000km XE waiting with a broken turbo). I see the English style totally disappeared without fine briar leathers made by external firms, banal oriental car design and I think. I love Jaguar Daimler 100% until 2000, I appreciate until 2010, after, if I want a luxury car MADE IN INDIA I want an Indian brand ...... not English ........
Ive had them all, the series 3 has all the charm , including foggy window, wiper motors that blow a fuse and so much more charm The x305 isall the charm but the reliabilty of the 21st century. I love them both bu if you needed to drive 100,000 miles the xj305 wins hands down. gtjoey1314
1983 was exercising my brand new Capri 2.8i south of Norwich towards London..1am pitch black..all good then I see a light a looong way back in the mirror..hmm ...it was slowly getting bigger ohhhh Capri was capable of 131 mph so this thing a couple miles behind was really shifting ! Gently lifted off without braking..after another minute or so he was coming up fast.ohh bugger me a white XJ12 with red stripes and blue lights on top! I was then invited to join them so sat in the back oggling all the kit they had onboard. Any idea what speed you were doing Sir? Hmm yes maybe just over 70 officer..well we've been chasing you for quite awhile Sir! Our radar finally clocked you at 99 mph..phew what a result lol. Nice motor that Jag.They use BMW now I hear.Sacrilege!
As a 6/7 year old I had a short ride in a Series II 5.3 Litre V12 Jag.
My Dad was doing abit of Chauffeuring. He usaully chauffeured a Volvo but one day had the Jag on the fleet. I was staying with my Nan in Fulham and he was between jobs not far away so came and woke me up (it was quite late) to give me a ride. I'm 52 now and will always remember it was a world away from his own Austin 1100 or the Volvo.
I remember seeing the speedo read 55mph but there was no noise and perfectly smooth ride.
What a wonderful car.
Jaguar really got the styling right with these cars. They’ve absolutely stood the test of time. What absolute beauties.
You can thank Geoff Lawson for the design of the Jaguar cars after 1994. He took the design back to the series 1 & 2. Until Ford sold out. The X300 was voted the most beautiful sedan in the world by a team of Milanese designers. I know William Lyons would have stood this car against the E Type anytime. He just loved his series 1 and said it was the best car he ever made.
Thank you very much for the great video. I live in Germany and I have a regency red Daimler Double Six Serie 3 built in 1992 with only 40.000 miles. I love the old Jag's and this great dreamcar. Thank you Sir William Lyons for the great styling. No other car in the world has more charisma. I am very happy to drive this car. Best regards from Germany!
Is it a costly car to maintain, how is it to drive if you compare to cars like Audi A4/Mercedes C Class etc. Cheers from Norway
I have a 1988 Series 3 Daimler Double Six, and can add nothing to your comment. I feel very fortunate to own such magnificence.
@@bikerman6907 I'm a mechanic - qualified too not self appointed TH-cam type. Mercedes Benz trained.
I actually own a 1980 S3 Daimler Double Six. Worked on many V12 Jags over the years. I use my trade to indulge in the V12 Jag/Daimler. One of the few perks of being a mechanic.
In answer to your question, the concept I'm about to impart goes for any luxury car and it is this:
Owning a V12 Jag/Daimler can be likened to surfing if I may use such an analogy. In order to catch the wave one needs to be 10 paces in front of the wave at all times.
Maintenance on all luxury cars/boats etc needs to be kept at all times 10 paces in front.
If you let the maintenance slip to say 5 paces behind the crest of the wave, then no matter how hard you paddle you're never going to catch the wave. If you want to get to 10 paces in front when you're 10 paces behind the wave then you need to go 20 paces. Think about that.
If 10 paces in front of the maintenance, when something goes wrong you're well prepared for it.
To get 10 paces in front requires the owner knowing as much about their car as possible. Buy all the manuals and read them as much as possible.
Stay away from online forums as they're 90% full of the most profoundly ignorant BS where opinion is passed off as fact. Almost but not all of it is lies, so I stay away from them. I get so annoyed by them that I never read them now as I get shouted down when I'm the damn professional. Even today, a quick read of posts 15 years old gets my blood boiling that's how bad these sites are.
There is one site that has a free published owners manual as submitted by users and professionals and that is a great resource but the forums are the usual angst ridden pissing contest combined with people who have obviously never owned a V12 offering opinion as fact but not answering your question because they can't.
Take the overheating myth for example. It is incredibly persistent this myth and it is an example of the lies.
These V12 equipped cars don't intrinsically overheat. Any car will overheat if the fan clutch is worn out and won't lock up, the auxilliary fan seized, the radiator blocked up, and the thermostat[s] stuck.
I have had an HE S3 V12 on a 43deg C day in a large regional town in Australia idling in a shed for more than an hour after I regassed the air conditioning. The temperature in that shed was about 55deg C! I was drenched in sweat which is not uncommon for we mechanics working in the country over summer.
Anyway, the coolant temp never at any point went past half way on the gauge.
I've had a 1976 S2 pre HE V12 idling in traffic on 40deg C days with the aircond on and it didn't overheat either. They don't overheat but they can.
There are some horrible jobs on them like a leaky RH rear exhaust manifold gasket on RHD cars where one of the studs comes out with the nut attached. It really is a very unpleasant time consuming job and causes a great deal of disassembly if the nut won't come off that stud as you can't get the stud out of the head, and if you can't do that then you can't get the manifold off the engine so you can't replace the gasket! These types of things are what gives them a bad reputation. They can be complex to work on. Handbrake shoes are a bit annoying too but not as bad as the exhaust stud imbroglio.
All luxury cars are prone to this sort of stupid crap LOL.
As a classic Mercedes owner, I can honestly say these are the only other cars I really lust after. They’re just perfect in every way.
For a lot of us it's simply going to come down to nostalgia, isn't it? The Series 3 for me - we had several when I was a kid and my dad used his V12 as a daily driver. I absolutely loved, loved, loved it. Got to have one!
Don't think about it, just do it. I love my '88 v12.
Good advice. Expensive though. I adore my BRG 92 DD6
I had a US spec 1995 XJ12, loved it, the drivetrain was indestructible but the front end bushings dissolved and like this guy says stay on top, the V12 is heavy and the bushings take a beating. The car was flawless until a front caliper ceased and melted the wires to the ABS modulator, and every light was lit on the dash, never able to solve the wiring out in the aftermath. I have to say, it was the nicest riding car for a trip and had a little grunt to it when needed. The smoothest engine, along with a very nice interior, very cool sled. Loved it but got rid of it after 19 years because of the electrical issues. BTW bought a Gen 2 V Caddy, and it’s awesome.
Love that Series 3.. that’s the one for me.
Absolutely agree....love my '87 S3 XJ6, there's nothing that comes close.
I owned a 1990 XJ40 and currently have a 1990 Series 3 XJ12 - I prefer the Series 3 - what a great ride and it feels timeless - such an honest elegant car.
I bought a early 1980's SIII Daimler Double Six. It was SENSATIONAL... It was like driving a magic carpet. I could drive a couple 100 miles and get out the other end with out a single groan or twinge. My father was so impressed when he borrowed it one day that when he eventually sold his Rolls Shadow, he bought a Jaguar V12.
Reliable?
@@user-rz6xb5mp2w Yes, very. However, it had an Achilles heel. The car was about 17 years old and one day the engine radiator was a one piece unit with gearbox oil intercooler and it failed and leaked water into the gearbox oil. I ended up fitting a standalone g/b oil cooler and ran about 5 gallons of g/b oil through to flush the wateroil mix out. That was the only fail/breakdown I suffered. If I bought one now I would fit a seperate oil cooler.
Love Jags of that era. I ran a XJR for over 100k miles. Put £28k of fuel into it, but worth every penny.
That's the spirit !
Great episode. I run a x308 v8 as my daily driver, I commute 40 miles a day in it, it's a great mile muncher.
Thanks Brian, the dream daily!
These cars are the epitome of British automotive achievement. Yes, we'll all be electric within the next ten years, but I'll be going out to 'classic' events as long as these beauties are allowed to draw breath! Thank you for sharing your experience of these amazing vehicles. Love and peace.
Will have to be the Series 3. I own a 1988 DD6 and its just sublime. Brings me back to another era every time. Old school luxury
I owned an XJ X300 for 13 years, and she was one of the most reliable and economical (fuel costs excluded of course) car I've ever owned. And I've had over a dozen between BMW and Mercedes.
Now, thanks to lockdown & working from home, we all seem to do 1/4 of the mileage we used to, cars like this make more sense than they ever did!
Absolutely! Who cares about 12MPG when you’re only doing 12 miles a week anyway...?
I aquired a 1994 4 ltr Daimler xj40 from a inheritance when I was 25 and ran it for 10 yrs as a daily driver and apart from a annual service required very little apart from a full rustproofing and rebush .it would return between 31 and 26 mgg no problem but after 280 miles performance plummeted to between 20 and 25 .10 yrs on I still regret selling it .The best car I ever owned it was gunmetal grey with a grey leather interior.I'm glad I had the experience and nothing else has really come close since .I would buy another and try to take better care of it if I could.Truly a car I would happy to be buried in .I still have my old woseley 1660 and rover 75 and mg b and classic range rover to fall back on but this trumps all of them for a daily driver .Apart from a Jenson interceptor that I would love in my garage.
So lovely to see my old Series three Double Six looking and driving so well, what a fabulous car!
K236 BAC was yours? She's in stunning condition.
I could never let mine go.
I had 1989 V12 XJ6, great car but boy did it like to drink! I traded it in after only 3 months for 6.0 XJS which was easily the best Jaguar I've ever owned.
THX for the awesome video I have 03 jaguar xj8/x308 I bought it when she was four yrs.old with only 36 thousand miles right now it have 71 thousand everything original with no problems I love it
Look at the beautiful mirror matched burr walnut with boxwood inlay on the door, classic craftsmanship and style.
I had a Daimler Double Six........what a fabulous motor car.........I had a long journey too work every day.....but driving that car...made every journey a pleasure !
Loved seeing these, i had a series 3,5.3 v12 and the 305 in 6.0 v 12, the jag models not daimler, loved them both, but the when the 5.3 started it had a lovely sound spinning it over almost like an aeroplane,, great cars.....
My Dad owned a series 3 V12 saloon back in the early 90’s. Lovely to look at but clearly technically a car out of its time by then.
We were invited to drive the newly introduced 6 Ltr V 12 XJ 40 by a Jag dealer. Boy the extra displacement and newer 4 speed box absolutely transformed the car. Although some may prefer the looks of the older car the newer 6 Litre car was truly a far better sports saloon.
The S III really is a lovely thing, timelessly elegant. I had a Sovereign in the 90s which turned out to be a nail, so I got out of it without a loss and moved on to an XJ40, also a Sovereign.
I think the long running of the series 3 and the carry over of the transitional styling is what kept Jag relivent soo long
For me the Series 3 was the pefect iteration of the XJ series.My uncle had a Double Six when I was a kid. He sold it after getting fed up with 10MPG!
Beautiful I had a 84 Series 3 Jaguar 3.4 Carburettor version and won many trophies with her
I like your video. I enjoyed learning from the information you gave and the relaxed presentation style. Nice job.
That doesn’t seem to be much elegance around on the roads today, so it’s always nice to see one of these.
Thanks for a professional and well balanced presentation. They’re both great cars!
Great video. Beautiful cars, it’s a real shame no one makes anything like this anymore (outside of RR and Bentley but even they aren’t the same anymore). The x300 is my favourite XJ. Such a great design. Also such a shame there won’t be anymore XJ’s. A huge loss!
Excellent video! Very well narrated, good speaking voice and demeanor, easy to understand and not too much silly added-in music.
My dads got a 1979 series 2, Love it, still sounds and smells how it should 🤣
I had a 1978 4.2 Sovereign in dark blue. It was like being at home as soon as you sat in it - wonderful after a long day. I would almost certainly still have it if it hadn't been t-boned on the driver's door back in 1995 and written off. That I was able to walk away from that largely uninjured is testament to how well built these cars were. Sadly I just couldn't like the mid 90s Jaguar offerings however much I tried.
@@ColinMill1 my dad says jaguar went "a bit off" through 90s and I do agree with him! sorry yours got murdered(!), did you ever get anything similar? they really are just wonderful to drive! Dad always tell us "if I am in an accident Do Not let them cut me out" and hes deadly serious!!😅
@@rosec7008 Well, having lost the Sovereign I decided to go for a 5 Series BMW partly because the E34s were being heavily discounted after the release of the E39 and I got one at a steal. The interior was soulless after the Sov. but then everything else was at that time IMO. It did the job of transport well and for entertainment I eventually bought a Caterham (in kit form as befits a "Prisoner" fan). As we now live down a lane the council forgot it has we now have a Subaru for the load-shifter. The Caterham is mine in a way only a car you have built can be and they are going to have to prize the keys from my dead hand.
The Series 3 Daimler V12 was the choice of transport for certain Prime Ministers! Even HM had one for every day use!
I owned an SIII Double Six as my daily driver right up until around 2006 when it was rear ended. -Insert expletives here.- . Although a previous owner had an overdrive installed. I think it was a gear vendor unit, which meant that on a good day with a tailwind mpg could nudge double figures. LOL but I didn't care because I just loved driving it. And i worked from home so only covered about 6 to 7k each year.
Beautiful car's!!! Unfortunately I can't afford a double six!!!!! Just a x350 sovereign 4.2 v8 2006 model!!!!. Hopefully one day I will have the pleasure of owning one!!!!!
One of the greatest engines ever made, a tribute to British engineering at its best. We will not see its like
again, and given Jaguars shameful decision to cancel the new XJ I fear that we can wave goodbye to that
venerable marque as a purveyor of cars of elegance and taste.
I'd been looking forward to seeing the new XJ. Sad news.
@@JimBob_1975 it's the end. Only Maserati remain as a manufacturer of beautiful machines that don't cost stupid money.
@@garethhanna9173 there will be a new XJ, they’re just not bringing it out yet. Also, modern Maserati’s are utter dog turd.
From what I read they'd decided it wouldn't fit in with their production facilities. If it does materialise eventually I hope it fits the grace, space and pace adage and isn't a stubby SUV that will be heavier and dynamically inferior. William Lyons will be turning in his grave.
@@JimBob_1975 I’d be very surprised if the XJ name doesn’t return at some point, Jaguar loves their heritage and to never use the XJ name again would be very unlike them. It’s a shame but Jaguar is a hard sell in the market, they didn’t sell well when they were in their full national trust mode, the S-Type for example which I own, I love it but it breaks constantly, I digress, and today in 2021 they struggle to move any at all. If it wasn’t for LR’s money they would’ve gone out of business years ago. They have to either adapt to the market, ie make SUV’s, or go out of business but, making quirky niche cars for you and me. It’s a shame but it’s just the way of the world.
love the old jaguar body style, classic style, well done cars
I had a 97 straight 6 Daimler and loved her
Excellent video. Working on these engines seems terrifying!
Didn't watch this yet, but I'd take the series 3 all day long! Beautiful car!
I remember reading the sales brochure over and over for the x300 when it was released. The Daimler Double six had “real ruched leather” and I had no idea what that meant as a child. Also the sport had wool cloth and the base had wheel covers. For myself they have always been the Jaguar I want to own, if service costs were not a factor.
Great video Phil glad to see you looking well. You know what Im going to say which is the best? The x300 is the better car but the Series III is the best!
Proper cars these!
Best wishes
Wyn Thomas
Series 1, 2 & 3 Jaguar XJ saloons- TO DIE FOR! Britain's greatest ever saloon car. Far more beautiful, elegant and stylish than later Jaguar saloons. The XF would put a glass eye to sleep! Give me a beautiful XJ V12 built in 1990 over a hi-tech *SOULLESS* German Mercedes barge all day, everyday!
I had an SIII Sovereign V12 with Koni adjustable shocks, and oversized tyres that just cleared the rear arches with a few mm shaved off the inside edge, which made all the difference to the handling and grip. With a mildly tuned engine, and the suspension and tyre mods, the SIII would be an almost perfect luxury GT, combining drivability, and unmatched comfort and style. Sadly my SIII eventually rusted away in the early 90s, as was the fate of so many of these beautiful cars including the V12s.
I’ve an XJS with V12 5.3. Love it. Great cars the old XJ range.
Love my 1994 xj12 with the 6.0l v12
A V12 Daimler is a truly wonderful way to cover miles rather more quickly than you might imagine...
I found that Jaguar magazine on readly because I wanted to see which was best out of xk8 and boxster. No surprises that the Jaguar won. It'd be a surprise if the porsche won in a Jaguar magazine! I've travelled in the back of original v12 and it was incredibly smooth. Engine inaudible
Excellent!. Informative and entertaining.
Thanks for watching! 😁
Gorgeous, both of the models and true classics…
Can't believe that lining is hanging down. I did mine first attempt in 3 hours for £40..easy peasy..You can also use the original card as a template which I did not think of...Old one did not break when I got it out...Lovey series still...
Love these old Jaguar's.
I had a x300 6 cyl that I really liked, it was sadly wrecked, and I upgraded to an xk8, but I keep wanting a v12, it’s a curse I will never satisfy until I actually get one
I have just purchased a 1996 XJ12 "X305," which was the last year we got the V12 in the US. 1996 was the year all cars in the US were required to be OBD2-compliant. The Jaguar 12-cylinder wasn't quite compliant, because the Nippon Denso ECU couldn't do continuous emissions monitoring. Jaguar USA was granted a one-year exemption to sell the XJ as such, but that expired after 1996, so we received no V12s for 1997, the final model year for the X300-series.
Anyway, it's in British Racing Green, which is the proper color, and the LWB body. I believe our XJ12 was closest to the Daimler Double-Six in the UK and elsewhere. Normally, our XJ12s had a standard chrome grille and rear plate plinth, but with a gold growler on the grille. However, mine has the US-market Vanden Plas bits, which are the same fluted design as the Double-Six. I have the silver growler, but will be replacing it with a gold one in short order.
I had two X350-series XJs, a 2004 Vanden Plas and a 2006 Vanden Plas...but I think the X300/X305 is so much better in terms of quality and ride, even though the X350s had air suspension.
I'm excited!
Nice video. But you're completely wrong about the Series 3 Daimler Double Six being a barge that wafts along. I own one, and the suspension bushes were all replaced recently, and it drives like a sports car. Unbelievably precise steering, brakes & suspension. Feels like a 3-series Beemer to drive - perfect for twisty, fast A & B roads. That's how they were designed. Don't let a tired old example with worn suspension taint your view!
Well that was enjoyable - thanks. Hope the subs grow
Thanks Nick, we’re working on it! 😁
When the series 4 Jaguar XJ6 was introduced in October 1986 with straighter lines, the top model the Daimler Double Six continued in the shape of the series 3 and the reason being the V12 engine couldn't fit under the series 4 bonnet. It's a shame that new Daimlers are no longer available. It would be great to have a luxurious Daimler version of the latest Jaguars.
They could have introduced a more powerful, super luxury one to rival Bentley. I wish they had.
la Daimler double six et une légende une "English-style class" par excellence , thanks to the English genius from Paris .
The best looking Jaguar ever build was the xj 2005 to 2009 hands down reliability! big body old school look modern has all the beautiful touches . Coming from jag collector.
Love these cars but my favorite is the X300 6 cylinder aj16.
It's a shame we don't see the Daimler badge on the roads anymore.
Absolutely, and I can see there being still the demand for it to distance the top line cars from the local sales manager's XF diesel...
Plenty in the scrappers. Where they belong.
I promise you that I will think of you when I travel with my beautiful Daimler Double Six Series 3 (here can you see my Daimler jaguar-forum.de/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14212&sid=8b8458da213228dedd7ccd213168e61d ) on the streets in Germany. I hope one day I can visit England . Then I will drive with my old elegant diva to Warwickshare to lay a flower on the grave of the greatest car creator of his era, William Lyons. I've been a big Jaguar fan since I was a kid. No other automobile in the world has as much charisma as the old Jaguar vehicles, especially the Daimler Double Six Series 3. I am always very happy when I drive this car. Best regards from me!
That's because neither company exists anymore unless, thank God the Indian tractor company didn't get the Daimler brand as well.
@@kevrob1784 Tata Motors via their ownership of Jaguar Land Rover also owns the rights to the Daimler brand.
It is however unlikely to be resurrected since Jaguar LandRover lost the right to use the Daimler brand in the USA.
Presumably to Daimler AG which means it has gone full circle since the German-born founder Frederick Richard Simms purchased the use of the Daimler name for Britain and the Empire from the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft Cannstadt back in 1891.
Apparently Simms and Gottlieb Daimler were good friends.
I had a Series 3 Daimler Double Six and my only complaint was the light switch. Push pull and you need a manual to remember all the combinations. Ok it did 13mpg around town but on the motorway at 80mph it did close to 19mpg.
There is no Other Luxury Super Sedan Brand that made Cars this low, it's as if U sit in a Sportscar.
This is what made the XJ Type's unique, it ended after the X308.
Wonderful video, regards from Austria!
Thanks for watching!
I find myself as a keen 24 year old car nut but didn't realize Daimler itself made cars and this "Jaguar copy", just saw one pop up on facebook and had to gather some more knowledge!
Great stuff Phil. Two similar and gorgeous cars that both looked stylish in their time. Plus an engine that did more than power an intercontinental waft, in a different form it won Le Mans too thanks to TWR. I still love the Mk X, if only it had got the 4.5 V8 Daimler lump.
97 XJ6 base in Denver CO USA here, while the leather was never great in base model, the car is eternally charming, and despite having very low market value, I splurged to have entire front suspension rebuilt. Although it’s tempting to want what one does not have (VP grade leather or a V12) the inline 6 makes charming sounds and is very reliable. It’s a great contrast to my 99 base 911 manual, and manages a highway glide that is somehow more entertaining than Lexus LS430 or mighty GSF. Hmm, now the rear suspension probably needs a bushing refresh and I hear that’s not easy/cheap….
Has to be the earlier V12 for me. Ironic that they reverted to the earlier styling with the X300 after the XJ40. I worked for Lucas throughout 90s & remember them having a pre-production XJ40 V12 in the workshop.
I would say that the XJ40 was not a worthy successor to the Series 111, but the X300 corrected that with beautiful lines and a great interior style.
I fear this kind of luxury motoring will cease to be available to us in the near future, with the proliferation of 'green' vehicles, and the constant demonization of fossil fuels.
Excellent video. Well done
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm sold! I'd take either of those.
Another great video, entertaining and informative, more please!
Thanks Simon, plenty more to come! :)
@@ClassicsWorldUK Great news, Merc 190 please!
Excellent video, thanks!
Thanks Oliver!
I was fortunate enough to have both of these cars in 6 cylinder version. Quite a bit lighter and sportier in the corners.
X330 to be precise as its a Daimler LWB in this video , X305 was the Jaguar version and SWB
For me the mk3 was the best of all the XJs, a combination of old and new, just gorgeous.
If only I could go way back on time and give my dad a series3 V12 XJ6 to replace his weezy old series1 2.8 litre XJ6.
The 2.8 was problematic as well iirc?
@@phil955i Dad's 2.8 was relatively unreliable. Something went bang that left a broken piston and some chunk of mangled steel on the sideboard for years after it was repaired. Not sure exactly what the cause was though.
Something also went wrong with the transmission that made it very reluctant to upshift. That was fixed at the dealer too. May have been low on fluid!
Thanks. I’m just wondering whether the 12-cyl engine is really needed over the 6-cyl version, for typical smooth Jaguar rides that is.
Depends what you are looking for the 12 cylinder is for those who want the best and cost of maintenance is not a factor. The best bang for the buck would be to go for the next model the x308
As a medical student I had a v12 xjs as my car - I ended up hacking out the sagging headlining with a penknife. Apart from that nice car
I got xj81 Daimler double six 1993
Amazing Car.
I'm in bits. Don't make me choose..... Series 3 😁😁😁
Great video
Thanks John!
No Daimlers here in Canada. Instead they are called the Jaguar Vanden Plas and have the Jag grill. I have one (series 3) and I love it- probably the most beautiful car the Brits ever made and prossibly even more striking than the XKE. A lot of these here lose their v12's and are replaced with small block chevy V8 motors which is a monumental tragedy.
2015 by accident ran into a Jaguar meeting in Compiegne France. It is kinda thirsty!
Thankyou. I want one. Mind, I'd have to part with my Triumph 2500 to make space, and even then it might not fit :)
Can I subscribe to the jaguar magazines if I live in the USA?
You certainly can! shop.kelsey.co.uk/subscription/JWO should take you through. It might default to UK but select North America and a UK price with USD equivalent is listed - print, digital or both are available!
My uncle had a few of these. Tiny by today's standard. And not slow.
Nice video indeed!
Wonderful video. Thank you so much for this.
Thanks for watching!
I’ve had both and the interior of the 305 doesn’t smell as a Daimler should it smells of synthetic materials mixed with the leather , so it’s the series for me , and looks much nicer
There’s definitely something special about the Series 3, isn’t there?
After the Series 2 XJ, X305 XJ12/DD6 is the one I find most desirable. Love the S3 too, but the X305 is just 😍
When Clarkson does his "I've got a jaaaaag" this is the jag you imagine.... s types... x types.. xf...all the others don't count.... especially the new XJ..
except the xf. I say that as an xf driver!!
@@crystalmethking The XF would put a glass eye to sleep in terms of it's aesthetics! Sorry to rain on your parade, but the XF is as dull as ditch water to behold. It has none of the beauty, elegance, or style of the XJ series saloons. The XF looks exactly like an Audi from a distance- soulless! I will always turn and look at an XJ saloon on the rare occasion I see one, it NEVER look at an XF, or any of the contemporary Jaguars. Jaguar no longer build beautiful cars sadly. The XF comes with 'chromed' plastic- need I say more?!
@@crystalmethking all modern cars reflect robot assembled Eurodash clones with featureless (aerodynamic) jelly mold 'shape' - X308 owner
Crazy to imagine they sold the series 3 until 1992
The youngest Series 3 I've ever driven was first registered on Oct. 21st 1993
Would take the Series III any day of the week. If you found a donor X305 with the V12 and 4 speed auto... is it (pretty much) a drop-in replacement?
I am Italian, I have owned a DAIMLER XJ4-6c-4000cc for 10 years, a dream car that despite being 30 years old competes with the new German flagships without problems.
I see today the .... TATA LUX marked jaguar with the dead daimler brand, with their ridiculous 2000 turbo diesel engines that release hanged power (a repairman my friend has a 45000km XE waiting with a broken turbo). I see the English style totally disappeared without fine briar leathers made by external firms, banal oriental car design and I think.
I love Jaguar Daimler 100% until 2000, I appreciate until 2010, after, if I want a luxury car MADE IN INDIA I want an Indian brand ...... not English ........
Can I have the Series 3 body (much nicer looking) with the 305 suspension and engine... Either would do nicely.
Ive had them all, the series 3 has all the charm , including foggy window, wiper motors that blow a fuse and so much more charm
The x305 isall the charm but the reliabilty of the 21st century.
I love them both bu if you needed to drive 100,000 miles the xj305 wins hands down.
gtjoey1314
1983 was exercising my brand new Capri 2.8i south of Norwich towards London..1am pitch black..all good then I see a light a looong way back in the mirror..hmm ...it was slowly getting bigger ohhhh Capri was capable of 131 mph so this thing a couple miles behind was really shifting ! Gently lifted off without braking..after another minute or so he was coming up fast.ohh bugger me a white XJ12 with red stripes and blue lights on top! I was then invited to join them so sat in the back oggling all the kit they had onboard.
Any idea what speed you were doing Sir? Hmm yes maybe just over 70 officer..well we've been chasing you for quite awhile Sir! Our radar finally clocked you at 99 mph..phew what a result lol.
Nice motor that Jag.They use BMW now I hear.Sacrilege!
I love these cars