Visually, XJ Series II cars are differentiated from their predecessors by raised front bumpers to meet US crash safety regulations, which necessitated a smaller grille, complemented by a discreet additional inlet directly below the bumper.

The interior received a substantial update, including simplified heating and a/c systems to address criticisms of the complex and not very effective Series I systems.In May 1977, it was announced that automatic transmission version of the 12-cylinder cars would be fitted with a General Motors three-speed THM 400 transmission in place of the British-built Borg-Warner units used hitherto.

The 1978 UK model range included the Jaguar XJ 3.4, XJ 4.2, XJ 5.3, Daimler Sovereign 4.2, Double-Six 5.3, Daimler Vanden Plas 4.2 and Double-Six Vanden Plas 5.3.

This 1978 Daimler Double-Six Vanden Plas Series 2 was handed down through a family member and it has been stored in a garage for 8 years or so.

It was then taken out of storage and sent to a local garage...