Highlights
- Smart and presentable with excellent blue paintwork
- Engine rebuild in 2010, approximately 2,000 miles since
- Less than 79,000 miles thought to be genuine
- Upgraded front and rear disc brakes
- Power steering and 3 speed Automatic gearbox
The Appeal
The Daimler V8- 250 was introduced in 1967, alongside the Jaguar 240/340. It replaced the earlier 2.5 V8 model that had been in production since 1962 with a minor facelift and a few upgrades. This included new slim bumpers and over-riders, negative-earth electrical system, an alternator instead of a dynamo and twin air cleaners, one for each carburettor. Other new features included padding over the instrument panel, padded door cappings and ventilated leather upholstery, reclinable front seats, plus optional power steering. Better equipped than its Jaguar siblings, and perfectly suited to its 3 speed Borg Warner gearbox the V8-25 has unique character which makes it an easy and pleasurable classic to live with.
Built in 1967 and sold by HW Motors in Walton on Thames, this Daimler was first registered in January 1968. It appears to have covered 79,000 miles since, a figure that is likely to be correct looking at the MoT history and receipts and invoices in the fat history file. Registered to the same address since 2013, it has been the recipient of vast expenditure and considerable care over its life. Painted Jaguar Blue in 2004 at a cost of £7,000, it remains in impressive condition with a deep shine. The interior was refreshed in 2005-6, and the engine underwent a complete rebuild in 2010. With smart new wire wheels and tyres, and upgraded with a Coopercraft four wheel disc brake system, the Daimler is a particularly nice example.
History and Paperwork
- Built In late 1967
- Sold by HW Motors of Walton on Thames
- First registered in Jan 1968
- Two Owners since 2013, from same address
- More recent invoices for service work have been located and will be included
- V5c in last private Owner’s name
- Large folder of invoices and history from 1970s onwards
- Old V5 document from Owner 1982-1997
- A selection of old MoT certificates
- Earliest MoT from 1974 @ 43,980 miles
- Receipt from purchase in June 1978 @ 63,232 miles
- List of MoT and mileages 1974 to 2017
- Less than 79,000 miles thought to be genuine (old MoTs and invoices to corroborate)
- Full 5 page list of all invoices/work from 1977 onwards
- Colour change in 2004 from Cream to Jaguar Blue reported to have cost £7,000
- Refurbished leather interior in 2005-6
- Engine rebuild with new pistons and bearings in 2010
- Daimler Operators handbook
- Delivery pamphlets and Running In guide
- Large Daimler Spares catalogue
- Daimler Service manual
- Daimler Maintenance and Lubrication chart
- JVC Audio guide for CD/Radio
- Wooden “Spinner Saver” for knock-off wheels
- Fire Extinguisher
The Interior
- Delightful blue leather and wood interior
- Atlantic Blue leather seats, reupholstered in 2006
- Individual folding armrests front and rear
- Blue carpets replaced in 2005, well fitted and clean
- Clean and smart light grey roof lining, sun visors a bit “droopy”
- Excellent wood dash and trim, thin wood door cappings
- Matching door cards, some minor marks, scratches to nearside rear door panel
- Clean and correct Smiths gauges, all appear to function correctly
- Working JVC Radio/CD with USB and Aux, original speakers front and rear
- Original two spoke enamel steering wheel with Daimler boss, excellent condition, no cracks
- Smart and clean boot space lined with matching blue carpet
- Spare wheel (non matching tyre) and jack, plus tools
The Exterior
- Excellent Jaguar Blue paint with a deep shine
- All glass and light lenses in great condition
- Fifteen inch knock-off wire wheels in excellent condition
- Almost new set of Hercules Ultra thin white band tyres
- Twin exhausts with chrome tips
- Correct Daimler badging and trim in good condition
- Smart chrome bumpers, some minor pitting and fading in places
The Mechanics
- Smooth 2.5 litre Daimler V8, sounds healthy
- Engine rebuilt in 2010, just over 2,000 miles since
- More recent service invoices up to 2022 have been located and will be included
- Borg Warner 3 speed Automatic gearbox
- Clean and corrosion free underside
- Nicely original and presentable engine bay
- Excellent history of continuous maintenance
- Power steering
- Coopercraft front and rear power disc brake conversion
- New radiator fitted in 2015
- Drives well with smooth gear changes and a nice rich engine note
Summary
The Daimler V8, often overshadowed by its Jaguar siblings, is actually the more luxurious model. Offering all the practicality and good looks of the Mk2, with generous seating for four adults, and lots of boot space it has the added cachet of a burbling V8 soundtrack. Perfect for long journeys, this capable classic appears to be in tip-top condition with some sensible upgrades, and is ready to be enjoyed.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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