1966 Daimler 2.5 V8

Highlights

Subject to an earlier restoration
Gearbox rebuilt in December 2023
Attractive colour combination of Old English White with a rich, red cabin
Front seats and door cards reupholstered to a high standard

The Appeal

In 1960, Jaguar purchased Daimler - mostly to get some more production lines under their belt. It was a very one-sided relationship, and with Daimler's Conquest leaving the market in 1957, what was left of the company desperately pushed Jaguar to do something - anything - to keep them relevant.

Jaguar permitted the 2.5 V8, effectively a MK2 with a lighter, more compact Daimler V8 powerplant. Add a retrim and extra detailing and there sat the 2.5 V8 - which to all accounts was an improvement on the Jaguar MK2 and a highly desirable saloon. It was the first Daimler car to be based on a Jaguar platform, the first with a unit body, and the last to feature a Daimler engine.

This particular 1966 example is a particularly fine one, boasting a compelling colour scheme of Old English White with a red leather cabin. The car was restored and re-trimmed by a previous keeper - and while there's still a bit of work to be done, it's an eminently usable example of 60s-era V8-powered class and comfort.

It's not often we come across these fine little cars, which really do represent the best of two of the UK's finest - legendary Jaguar styling, with Daimler engineering and trim. We've no doubt this lovely mid-century saloon will capture plenty of admiring glances.

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1966
The DVLA records 8 previous keepers
MOT records prove the car has been very lightly used since 2007
Older restoration
Bought by the current owner in May 2024
- Previous owner bought it from Hill Farm Automotives in July 2023 for £15,000
Last service record on 27/04/2022
Last MOT carried out on 23/05/2022 at 80,395 miles
- Passed with advisories on slight engine oil leak, wear to sub-frame pins, and slight play on steering box
Currently indicates 80,597 miles on a five-figure odometer
Supplied complete with:
- V5c document
- A collection of tax discs
- Sales invoice from Hill Farm Automotives
- A recent invoice for over £1,000
- Service manual and spare part catalogue

The Condition

Old English White paintwork with a red leather interior
Bodywork generally good, showcasing Jaguar's legendary styling
Any wear is very much age commensurate:
- Dent to the nearside front above the bumper
- Smaller dents on doors and wings
- Area of corrosion on offside front wing
- Some blistering and bubbling here and there
Some patina to the chromework
All badges and branding are present and correct
Light patina to the disc wheels
We note some corrosion to the underside
Front seats and door cards have been reupholstered to a high standard, and look excellent
Rear seat is original, with a patch and small slit to the leather
Handsome walnut veneers are all present and correct, with some light spots of wear
On the dashboard, this is largely on lower edge of glove box and around the radio
Some wear to the wooden window trims
Modern radio has been fitted although it wasn’t working on the day of the photoshoot
A vintage Motorola unit is provided upon sale

The Mechanics

2.5L Daimler V8 powerplant
Automatic transmission with 3 gears
Engine bay in good, clean order
Gearbox rebuilt in December 2023
Car not fitted with power steering, which is the reason for sale
The MOT highlighted a minor oil leak from the engine bay
We've no reports of any significant mechanical issues and it ultimately looks to be a fine example
Only 200 miles covered in 3 years - with the present owner covering tiny mileage

BEFORE YOU BUY

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