Words: Nathan Chadwick
Photos: Manufacturers
Twelve cylinder motoring is one of life’s greatest luxuries. But for less than £40k, should you?
1. Jaguar XJ12/Daimler Double Six (Jaguar-Daimler)
The Jaguar XJ12 and Daimler Double Six are quintessential British luxury with a silken V12 tucked under a long bonnet. Early cars featured the 5.3‑litre unit, later models grew to 6.0 litres, producing 240 to 300bhp depending on year. Numbers aside, it’s the effortless torque and grand touring character that impress. The ride is supple, steering unexpectedly confident for a car of its size, and the interior blends deep supportive seats, polished wood veneers and the occasional sunroof to let in light. Series III Double Sixes of the late 1970s and 1980s are especially desirable with smarter trim, better equipment and improved fuel injection. Ownership isn’t without challenges. Rust loves sills and arches, electrics can misbehave, and the V12 demands attention to cooling, timing chains and head gaskets. A full service history is essential because neglect quickly becomes expensive. Yet when cared for, few cars deliver the effortless poise, style and character of a Jaguar V12.
2. BMW 750i (E38 V12)
The E38 BMW 750i is a saloon that exudes quiet authority rather than flashing it. Beneath the bonnet sits the M73 5.4‑litre V12 producing around 326bhp with a velvet smoothness that makes other engines feel coarse. For its era it was cutting edge: traction control, multiple airbags, climate control and a cabin that remains surprisingly lavish. It accelerates briskly for a heavyweight and cruises at motorway speeds with serenity. Yet there are ownership considerations. Cooling systems age, electrics play tricks, and the automatic gearbox needs regular attention, particularly the torque converter. Fuel consumption is hefty and the V12 demands specialist servicing. Rust creeps into sills and subframes, leather wears and wooden trim can delaminate. Parts can be expensive and occasionally hard to source, so a carefully preserved example is the key to enjoying one of the most elegant and comfortable large saloons of the Nineties.
3. Mercedes-Benz S600 (W140 series)
The W140 S600 represents Mercedes at its most uncompromising with a 6.0‑litre M120 V12 tucked beneath a vast bonnet. Power delivery is smooth and abundant, the torque effortless, giving progress a stately pace rather than urgency. Refinement is everywhere: double glazing, self‑closing doors, multizone climate and a cabin that remains indulgent decades on. Often described as the last of the proper S Classes, the W140 is overbuilt with exceptional sound deadening and a ride that insulates occupants from almost everything. But weight and complexity are its enemies. Suspension bushes and shocks wear, electrical systems are prone to quirks, wiring can corrode, cooling systems need attention and engine mounts demand care. The V12 itself is durable when maintained, but spares for UK‑spec cars can be elusive. Despite the maintenance burden, the W140 delivers a commanding presence, indulgent comfort and a sense of solidity that is hard to match.
4. Toyota Century (JDM import)
The second generation Toyota Century, launched in 1997, remains Japan’s only production V12 saloon. Its 1GZ FE 5.0-litre V12 produces 276bhp with EFI and twin cams, but the real story is effortless torque and near‑silent smoothness. The ride is serene, the cabin a haven of understated luxury with plush seats, rear‑seat controls, excellent sound insulation and impeccable build quality. Many components are shared with Lexus, which helps reliability and reduces the risk of breakdown. Grey imports are often well preserved, especially those ex‑fleet, yet ownership requires awareness. Paperwork, registration and parts supply can be tricky outside Japan. Air suspension, climate control, electric blinds and in‑car entertainment can age, and rust is a concern in UK conditions, particularly in sills, wheel arches and the chassis. Fuel consumption is high and some Century‑specific parts may need ordering from specialists or Japan. For those willing to navigate the quirks, the Century offers unmatched serene V12 luxury.
5. Ferrari 400/400i/412
The Ferrari 400 series epitomises the Colombo V12 with early 4.8‑litre carburettor engines and later fuel‑injected 400i and 412 models producing between 310 and 330bhp. It’s not the headline figures that thrill but the long‑stroke torque and effortless delivery that define the character. The 2+2 layout is surprisingly practical with proper rear seats and a big boot, making it far more livable than many Ferraris of the era. Pininfarina styling is pure wedgy elegance while interiors retain creature comforts that make grand touring a pleasure. Maintenance is intense: 12 carbs or complex injection systems demand careful attention, fuel consumption is punishing and carburettor synchronisation can frustrate. Rust attacks sills, wings and floors, while trim and interiors age. Specialist parts and labour are expensive and tricky to source. Automatic gearboxes are lazy and sometimes fragile, while manuals are rare – but when it looks this good, what’s a bit of laziness?
6. Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph
The Silver Seraph is a quiet and sumptuous luxury cruiser with a 5.4‑litre BMW V12 producing around 322bhp. Rear‑wheel drive and an automatic gearbox make progress effortless while the big chassis soaks up bumps, delivering a plush underfoot ride. Inside, the cabin is classic Rolls with deep leather, wood veneers and rear seat indulgences. Electricals, climate control, leather and wood require careful attention, while the V12 needs regular servicing for cooling, cylinder heads, engine mounts and consumables. Rust can lurk under sills and subframes, and seals around doors, roof and glass often degrade. Many Seraphs were lightly used and components such as belts, hoses and suspension bushes may have deteriorated. A full history is vital, but a well cared for example rewards with effortless speed, luxury and serene cruising.
7. Bentley Continental Flying Spur (Bentley)
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur employs a W12 engine, offering silky smooth power, four‑door practicality and performance more akin to a grand tourer. Early examples could reach 194mph while maintaining poise and composure. Interiors are sumptuously finished with leather, wood and multi‑zone climate, and the ride feels exceptionally stable. Shared VW components ease some maintenance, yet the heavy chassis and tightly packed engine demand specialist attention. Electronics, air or adaptive suspension and comfort features age poorly, and brakes, tyres and cooling systems endure stress from the car’s weight. A full service history is essential because deferred maintenance erodes value rapidly. Running costs are high, but the reward is a four‑door saloon that blends outrageous pace, indulgent luxury and unmistakable Bentley presence.
Which models would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.
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