V12 series 1 XJ Vanden Plas

RESTORATION\

There was absolutely no intention to purchase a rare V12 engined series 1 XJ model Vanden Plas, and I barely knew of the model since none were sold new in Australia.
After restoring a 3.8 litre S-Type a number of years ago and, as a result of becoming actively involved in the Queensland Jaguar Club via one of its Country Registers (Rockhampton), the bug hit me again and I was on the lookout for another project to dirty my hands on!
A V12 engined saloon had long been a dream I harboured, and it seemed that either a later HE sedan or even a very early Series 1 would be desirable.
A few cars came up over the next year, but one disadvantage of living in Australia six hundred kilometres from the capital city is that by the time you get a chance to look at a worthwhile car it is invariably sold! I missed out on a few likely vehicles through that problem, and still have not forgiven the owners…
However, a likely V12 saloon was eventually located 'only' a few hundred kilometres up the coast, and although not sounding in an overly good and long loved condition, it was a likely candidate for restoration despite not being a Jaguar- but a very tantalising ultra- luxurious, and rare Series 1 Daimler Vanden Plas