Good morning Gentlemen,

I'm in something of a bind on the LWB 2000 Daimler Super V8 Auto I have just purchased and I was wondering if any of you might have some ideas for me.

Like an absolute oaf, I took a punt on this smashing car, despite the fact it had no paper work (other than a V5 and an MOT). My only excuse was that is was rather a lot of Daimler for the money (despite the knackered ABS, amp, and dodgy wiper - classic)!

I am worried by a number of things:
(A) The engine, although it's clearly super charged (my God, but it's quick), is labelled both Daimler and X300. Shouldn't it be labelled X308?
(B) the front radiator grill matches the paint work. It's not a traditional fluted chrome grill. Was this an option on the Daimler Super V8?
(C) I don't understand the of the VIN digits. SAJAC34J1YMF13900. See bottom of post.

I'm getting nervous. Is this some sort of badge job? Perhaps. But if so I don't really understand what's going on. There are lots of things that screem Daimler:
- Ds everywhere on the headrests, steering wheels etc.
- The engine has that Daimler label, too.

And I know it's a Daimler Super V8 from these elements:
- It's got the Solar allow wheels
- The hides on the leather seats are so soft - and they are ruched, rather than the four flute design. Piping's nice, too!
- 2 individual adjustable seats in the back, rather than a 3 seat bench
- Chrome inserts to the side moulding
- Picnic tables
- Chrome boot lid + Super V8 badge
- the V5

So what's going on with the grill, the engine and the VIN?

This is what I have figured out from the VIN:
- Country (ENGLAND - easy)
A - Manufacturer (JAGUAR - piece of cake)
J - Manufacturing Division (Jaguar - was rather of expecting Daimler)
A - Market / Airbag (Rest of World)
C - Transmission & Steering (AUTOMATIC RHD)
3 - Vehicle Line / Body Type (?)
4 - Vehicle Line / Body Type (?)
J - Emission (UK, CANADA, JAPAN & REST OF WORLD)
1 – Check Digit
Y – Year (2000)
M - Model Line and Assembly Plant (4 litre Super-Charged, Browns Lane, England)
F - Model Specific Sequential Number Prefix Letter (Daimler, XJ8, XJR)
13900 - Sequence of the vehicle for production

Any assistance greatly appreciated, chaps.

All the best
James - perplexed

 

Hi James, I think that the VIN will be explained below.

Like a dolt, I forgot to search the archives (just given myself a good talking to).



And no I do not think for one moment that it is a badge job. Windscreen ID matches VIN, and everything interior is Daimler. (Just too much time and money involved in trying to pass this off as something else).

 

Cheers, Richard - that is incredibly reassuring.

Now I can get down of paying through the nose to get it back to its former glory!