Here’s something you don’t see every day: a Japanese-market British sedan sold here as a Jaguar but labeled a Daimler in overseas markets. Confused yet? This is a survivor-grade 1992 Daimler XJ6, otherwise known as a Jaguar Vanden Plas. While fairly unnoticed stateside as a collector’s item, finding one in nearly mint condition from a Japanese owner who clearly loved it makes this car listed here on Facebook Marketplace worthy of a closer look. Plus, it’s just $6,000, which seems like a great deal for a daily driver-friendly luxury sedan.
The Vanden Plas, otherwise known as the XJ40, represented a significant change in design for the classic Jaguar sedan. More squared-off and purposeful, Jaguar sought to correct some of the issues with its brand identity as it related to quality by improving the ownership experience with higher-quality construction and more bulletproof engines. I always felt that models like the Vanden Plas got a bad wrap not because they were poor cars but because they were poorly maintained. The AJ6 inline-six engine was quite durable, and the styling (to my eyes, at least) it still handsome. This Daimler looks outstanding in pretty sage green paint.
The best thing about buying a Japanese-market anything is the level of care that goes into servicing and maintaining these vehicles that in other countries – like the USA – are trashed and abused to no end. Between the more restrictive driving regulations around older vehicles and just a general sense of pride in keeping a vehicle in good running order, finding a “JDM” vehicle is safe bet for finding a car in better condition than almost anywhere else. The leather in this Jaguar looks nearly new with barely any signs of use, and note the rug on top of the floor mat to keep the factory mats in excellent condition. The wood trim is also beautiful, along with the chrome strips on the B-pillars.
I doubt the back seat was ever used based on this photo. The seller is a touch light on the details, and the North Carolina license plate on car listed for sale on the Jamaica, NY Marketplace page is also confusing. The 4L inline-six engine produced a healthy 223 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque when new, and while it won’t be a snappy driving experience, it will still make for an outstanding in-town and highway cruiser. I suspect the miles are quite low but they are unlisted here; if this Daimler shows less than 50,000 miles, it looks like an absolute steal to me.
If this is a JDM vehicle, shouldn’t it be right hand drive? Maybe it was intended to be in a market outside of Japan but somehow ended up in the Land Of The Rising Sun. It’s a beutiful car inside and out and if the car wasn’t across the country, at that price I’d take a swing at it. (btw it’s “bad rap” as in rap sheet).
You are correct.