Just a moment on a nice Saturday morning. The A31 is fairly empty, as this road always guarantees peace and quiet. And that quality suits the car we are traveling in: the 1994 Daimler Double Six Insignia painted in Regency Red, a very late example from the XJ40 series. The experience is phenomenal.
Nowadays we are used to a lot in terms of equipment, but if we turn back the clock to 1994, in retrospect you will find yourself in an ultra-luxurious and majestic car. You will not lack anything. Twelve cylinders - spread over two cylinder banks - work fantastically together, they unanimously divide the forces and then bundle them into fantastic potential. It is a gigantic orchestra that is meticulously attuned to each other and does not play a false note. If you hear anything at all. Because you have to listen carefully to take in the fantastic symphony from a distance.
The peace is pleasant. The equipment is beneficial. So is the seat. The seats finished in cream color (electrically adjustable in all positions) guarantee a ride that you can enjoy for hours. There is also everything on board that makes a person happy. An electric sliding roof, cruise, climate control, roller blinds, an on-board computer, leather and wood in exactly the right proportions... And very subtly: on the right side of the dashboard you are reminded that you are in an exclusive British car with a V12 engine. is in the front. Less is more.
The exterior is also an example of distinction, which at the same time does not conceal why this car still had the letters XJ in the internal code name. Of course, the XJ40 and its relatives had their own and recognizable face. But in profile you can still see the first XJ. The Regency Red can be perfectly combined with the discreetly applied decorative accents. The alloy wheels do not exude sportiness, but pure chic.
The handling of this executive is sublime. The ease with which the combination of suspension and damping filters out every imperfection is impressive. The characteristic is really ultra comfortable, and of course that fits very well with this exclusive limousine. You will not lack anything in that regard. And this also applies to the formidable braking system, which does not budge and can be dosed very well.
Of course you are aware of the fact that there is an immense power source in the forecastle. And yet you don't really notice much obesity at the front. Of course you notice that you are not with a three-cylinder turbo. But the weight of the power source has less influence on handling than you think. You only notice the heaviness of the immense engine when you change course at a brisk speed. Then you have to slow down a bit and things feel understeered. A hours in advance starting to turn in is not necessary, but it is also a bit exaggerated to enter the bend sharply. Something that does not fit the smooth character of the car at all. Steering gently, with a flowing movement, will do the Daimler the most justice.
The 5993 cc engine is linked to an excellently shifting four-speed automatic transmission from GM, and it will come as no surprise: the interplay is excellently composed. The strong automatic also has a sport mode, but the normal mode suits the automatic best. Because then the power distribution of the immense engine is at its best. Everything remains quiet on board, even if you floor the accelerator a little faster.
The power development of the V12 engine is impressive. Capital accumulation takes place in a civilized, but very steady, fast and balanced manner. And it feels like you have at least 400 Nm of torque under your right foot at all times. Before you know it you are driving at driving license dangerous speeds. And during those impressive moments of acceleration, the Daimler doesn't flinch at all. It's like being on an ICE night train, it just whizzes along, with the rhythmic twelve-cylinder sound softly in the background.
Are there no critical notes to crack at all? Well, not really. Or it may be that the many operating functions are sometimes complicated to decipher. The flat panels next to the steering column mean that you have to get used to operating various functions and infotainment. This also applies to the placement of the buttons for the electric seat controls. It takes some searching, and blindly finding the right button and the right function takes some time one thing.
With less than nineteen thousand kilometers on the odometer, this Daimler has just been broken in. And the question remains whether this was done consciously. But if so, we understand. Because exclusivity is something to enjoy exclusively. Although that could easily be done every day. Because you can never get enough of driving this ultimate exotic with its own specific British style.
With thanks to: Dijkstra Classic Cars & Youngtimers
Photo credits: Bart Spijker
Note: the license plates are mounted for photo opportunities. We of course confirmed the dealer license plate before driving.
At the time, I thought the XJ series and therefore also the derivative Daimlers of this generation were the least attractive with those clumsy headlights and taillights. But time makes up for a lot, especially when you see what Jaguar is putting on the road today.
Had the 6 cylinder 4 liter in the same color with black leather. Beautiful elegant car and drove sublime! With normal relaxed driving style, an average of 1 in 8…
I don't know if this model has hydrolic valves yet.
With the previous 12 cylinder model, it takes a specialized garage 2 full days of work just to adjust the valves.
So maintenance is somewhat unaffordable for the ordinary enthusiast.
And with a test on the test bench, the garage doors could be fully opened in freezing weather in winter because the 12 cylinder brought quite a bit of heat into the workshop.
You don't buy something like that because it's nice and economical.