2006 Daimler Super Eight

Finished in Signal Red with an Ivory hide interior, ‘XJI 3698’ is a 2006 Daimler Super Eight that’s still showing just 96,000 miles on the odometer.

It’s got a fresh and advisory-free MoT too, has had just two recorded previous keepers, and has been in the current keeper’s care since 2008. 

Believed to be just one of one hundred built to this specification, the long-wheelbase chassis offers limo-like luxury, while the supercharged V8’s 400bhp offers all the power even the keenest driver could need.

We understand the Daimler was treated to a change of colour some years ago, and its coachwork is now a vibrant Signal Red. This new hue, along with the vast split-rim Sepang alloy wheels and mesh radiator grille, give the Daimler a sporty appearance other, more sober hues, lack.

The aluminium bodyshell – obviously rust-free – sports very good shut lines, while squatting down and peering along the flanks reveals nothing but straight metal there too. 

There might not be much chrome trim on a Daimler Super Eight, but what there is is bright and shiny and free of tarnishing, pitting, and rust. 

Returning to the 20-inch rims, they might have a few minor kerbing marks, but that sort of thing is all but inevitable when they’re fitted with such low-profile tyres – and the Hifly HE805 tyres that are fitted to all four corners are very low in profile. 

All have very good tread too, and may we remind you that experience shows that matching tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. 

As for flaws, our eagle-eyed examiner pointed out the following:

There are light marks to both front corners as well as a scuff to the centre of the lower front bumper. There are also chips to some of the door edges and the nearside rear corner, plus marks and scratches to the offside rear corner and wheel arch.

There are light scratches along both sides too, but we think these are sufficiently minor that a professional machine polish would make a significant difference.

We also spotted a line down the middle of the car on the nearside that suggests paint has been blended in, with some change of colour to various offside panels. There is also evidence of paint across the rear bumper, sharp edges from masking tape, and a few runs, all of which could be improved with some professional flatting and polishing.

Finally, the fuel cap door doesn't lock closed.

The luxury Ivory hide interior, which features contrast piping and monogrammed headrests and burr walnut trim, would be luxurious no matter what the wheelbase but as this is the model with the extra legroom in the rear, the sense of luxury is cranked up all the way to 11.

The list of toys is extensive and includes a rear entertainment system with screens in the back of the front headrests, a premium Alpine sound system, burr walnut picnic tables, twin cupholders in the vast central armrest, rear climate controls, full blinds for the rear cabin, and sound-deadening glass.

If you’re looking for a cocoon from the modern world, you’ve certainly found one. 

Other features include a factory-fitted tilt ‘n’ slide glass sunroof, automatic xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and factory satellite navigation.

The overall condition is excellent with virtually unmarked hide seats, shiny and undamaged walnut veneer, bright chrome controls, and a very clean finish to almost all of the surfaces. 

The boot is vast, but then the rich do tend to travel with rather a lot of luggage. A space-saver spare wheel lives under the false floor, and the trim is in a decent condition with no real wear to the carpet, only a few light stains.

Which brings us neatly to the subject of areas for improvement. 

The air-conditioning system doesn’t blow ice cold, though that might be as simple as a re-gas. and the interior smells a little damp. The headlining of the sunroof is starting to sag too, and it hangs down sufficiently to make operating the sunroof a little difficult.

The nearside rear seat trim is loose, and the seat itself has a stain and doesn't operate fully. The offside rear seat doesn’t work at all, and nor do the rear parking sensors, or at least we could not ascertain they were working. Finally, while the rear blind works, the arm holding it isn’t attached.

There are twelve stamps in the replacement service history booklet, and these record the following work:

• 12.05.2006 – pre-delivery inspection by Stratstone
• 08.05.2007 and 15,792 miles – service by Stratstone
• 14.10.2008 and 36,004 miles – service by Saxton 4x4
• 14.10.2008 and 36,004 miles – service by Saxton 4x4
• 17.04.2009 and 39,960 miles – service by Lookers Jaguar
• 12.05.2010 and 47,752 miles – service by Marshall Jaguar
• 10.05.2011 and 54,468 miles – service by Marshall Jaguar
• 12.04.2012 and 60,470 miles – service by Marshall Jaguar
• 14.05.2013 and 67,882 miles – service by Marshall Jaguar
• 16.05.2014 and 75,491 miles – service by Marshall Jaguar
• 17.01.2017 and 86,698 miles – service by Marshall Jaguar
• 19.01.2018 and 90,243 miles – service by Marshall Jaguar

There is then a pause until the 8th of October 2026 and 96,684 miles, when it was next serviced. 

The seller tells us that he has also rectified all the advisories from the MoT in May of this year, including the “rear subframe corroded”. This, we are told, turned out to be more superficial than the Man from the Ministry made it sound, and involved nothing more intrusive than treating the rust before giving it a protective coating. 

As you can see and hear, the supercharged V8 engine starts and idles well, with an attractive snarl from the exhaust. 

The engine bay is in a decent condition, with just a little alloy tarnishing and some rusty fasteners spoiling the overall effect.

As for the underside, while the material it’s made from rules out structural corrosion, the exhaust silencers are starting to rust through, so it would be prudent to budget for replacements in the near future. 

The Daimler’s MoT, which is valid until October 2026, was issued with no advisories, and it comes with two key fobs and a number of invoices for service work.

With a list price of £80,000 – a figure you could almost double in today’s money – the Daimler Super Eight was a hugely expensive car when it was new.

Of course, depreciation has probably knocked between £65,000 and £70,000 off that, but as it’s being offered with no reserve, it might even go for four-figures rather than five…

We think this will sell for somewhere between £10,000 - £15,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET, HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.