Dave Espley

Jaguar VDP 4.2 (Previous)

 I responded to an advert in “Auto Trader” two years ago for a Jaguar Coupe, with perfect interior, for sale in Telford at a very good price. I needed a complete interior for my project car; a 1975 Daimler Double Six Coupe. Plan “A” was to buy, swap interiors and sell on the Telford car.

Of course, the car was well sold to the first caller, but I was invited to look at another one; the 1976 VDP, which was rather special. Plan “B” turned out to be buying the VDP for use whilst I restored the coupe in the garage.

The VDP is a 4.2 litre, twin carb model with all the luxury bits a Jag has, and some more. It’s an unusual colour, morello cherry with a chamois colour leather interior. It has individual seats in the rear and extra wooden capping's on the doors. Mechanically its identical to the XJ6 saloon and all the refinements are cosmetic. Strangely though, Daimlers don’t command as high a price as Jaguars when they change hands.

The car is reliable, but not good on fuel, though it does run on unleaded. I’ve converted it to a manual choke and done the usual renewal of parts that have worn out, or seized up due to lack of use.

I would recommend a Daimler Series 2 to anyone with good mechanical expertise(to keep down the bills). When they are looked after they give grace, space and pace.