Daimler Sovereign 420

Manufacturer	Jaguar Cars
Production	1966 to 1969
Produced	5831
Class	Luxury car
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR layout
Engine	4.2L 6 cylinders vertical, in line
Wheelbase	107.37 in, 2,727 mm
Length	1187.75 in, 4,769 mm
Width	66.75 in, 1,695 mm
Height	54.50 in, 1,384 mm
Ground clearance	7 in, 178 mm
Related	Jaguar 420

The first Daimler Sovereign was a luxury car built from 1966 to 1969 in Great Britain as the Daimler 420 Sovereign.

History

The first Sovereign was a badge-engineered version of the Jaguar 420 saloon, which was itself based on the Jaguar S-Type. The Daimler Sovereign was a name applied by British manufacturer Jaguar Cars for luxury automobiles built carrying the Daimler badge between 1966 and 1983.The Daimler Sovereigns were based on contemporary Jaguar bodyshells, chassis and engines in an example of badge engineering. Jaguar Cars took over The Daimler Company in 1960 and the 1966 Sovereign was the second Daimler to be based on a Jaguar model. Unlike the Daimler 2½ litre, the Sovereign had a Jaguar engine, marking the end for the Turner designed engines. This first Daimler sovereign sold for only four years with only 5476 in right hand drive markets with also only 355 left hand drive being sold making this a rare car

The engine of the Sovereign is a classic 'six cylinders line, maximum 'torque of 282 1b ft, (38.9 kg m) at 3,750 rpm. With roadholding that is in the 'highest class, with limited slip finaldrive (optional), with disc brakes, front and rear, 'the Daimler, Sovereign is a perfect vehicle for brilliant, competitive driving.However, the Daimler wishes to remain first, and foremost- a cars of elegant comfort.studied to increase passenger comfort.  Attention has been given even to the smallest details of the finishings, and the materials used, from the wood of the facia to the hide of the upholstery are of the highest quality.For example, driving is made easy and restful by the adoption of a servobrakes and servo steering. The suspension is soft and gradual, But above all the engine gives a very real sensation of a comfortable luxury drive.

PERFORMANCE

• Engine Capacity 258.42 cu in, 4,235 cu cm
• Fuel Consumption 18 ml imp gal, 15 ml US gal, 15.7 1 x 100 km
• Max Speed 122 mph, 196.4 km/h
• max power (SAE): 245 hp at 5,500 rpm
• max torque (SAE): 28.2 1b ft, 38.9 kg m at 3,750 rpm
• max engine rpm: 6,000
• specific power: 57.9 hp/l
• power-weight ratio: 14.6 lb/hp, 6.6 kg/hp
• acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 16.9 sec, 0—50 mph (0—80 km/h) 7 sec
• max speeds: 33 mph, 53.1 km/h in 1st gear; 51 mph, 82.1 km/h in 2nd gear; 76 mph, 122.4 km/h in 3rd gear; 101 mph, 162.6 km/h in 4th
• gear; 122 mph, 196.4 km/h in overdrive/top.

The first Daimler Sovereign was based on the 1966 Jaguar 420 and is sometimes referred to as the "Sovereign 420". Subsequent Sovereigns arose from the Series I, II and III Jaguar XJ6. The 420 and Sovereign differed from the S-Type in having a revised four-headlight nose reminiscent of the Jaguar Mark X and a 4.2 litre version of the straight-six XK engine. .The main external difference between the 420 and Sovereign was the traditional Daimler fluted radiator grille. With full rust and soundproofing, Ventilated leather upholstery recline and height adjustable front seats electrically heated rear screen .Air conditioning system was also an option.Along with fog lamps. Radio system with electric aerial, rear seat belts , wire wheels and anti-theft steering lock

In 1967 the final drive ratio was quietly changed from 3.31:1 to 3.54:1 which led to press complaints about high-speed cruising but which improved acceleration times from stand-still within the range of the speeds legal in Britain following the introduction, in December 1965, of a 70 mph (113 km/h) speed limit across the nation's highways which had previously been unrestricted om motorways.

The front-end styling of the Daimler DS420 limousine introduced in 1968 shared a family resemblance with a Daimler grille mated to a four-headlight nose. The 420/Sovereign range began to be replaced by the Jaguar XJ6 in September 1968. The Jaguar ceased production in December 1968, the Daimler remaining in production until July 1969 and was thus sold alongside the new Jaguar XJ 6 for a short time.