1974 Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas 5.3L V12

1979 Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas – 5.3L V12

The Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring from the late 1970s, combining traditional craftsmanship, imposing road presence and the effortless performance of Jaguar’s renowned 5.3-litre V12 engine.

This 1979 example has covered 41126 miles and is powered by a naturally aspirated, fuel-injected 5,343 cc V12, paired with a smooth three-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

The Double Six was created to deliver refined and effortless performance rather than outright sporting aggression. Combined with the more luxurious Vanden Plas specification, it offered exceptional comfort, craftsmanship and exclusivity at the very top of the Daimler range.

5.3-Litre V12 Performance

At the heart of the car is Jaguar’s legendary 5,343 cc V12, an engine that became one of the defining powerplants of British luxury motoring during the period.

By 1979, the European-specification Double Six Vanden Plas used fuel injection and produced approximately 285 bhp DIN, together with around 399 Nm of torque.

Power is delivered through a three-speed automatic transmission, providing the smooth, quiet and seemingly effortless acceleration for which the Double Six became known.

Rather than being engineered as an outright performance car, its character is centred around refined high-speed touring, with the twelve-cylinder engine delivering power with remarkable smoothness and composure.

Vanden Plas Luxury

The Vanden Plas specification represented one of the most luxurious interpretations of the Daimler Double Six, placing particular emphasis on passenger comfort, craftsmanship and traditional British elegance.

Rich interior materials, extensive wood veneer, leather upholstery and carefully finished detailing created an environment designed around refinement rather than ostentation.

Combined with the V12 powertrain and unmistakable late-1970s styling, the 1979 Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas remains a compelling example of an era when British luxury cars were defined by engineering sophistication, craftsmanship and effortless presence.

Today, its combination of V12 power, Vanden Plas luxury and distinctive Daimler character makes it an increasingly interesting proposition for collectors seeking something rarer and more individual than the equivalent Jaguar models.