Description
We are delighted to offer this outstanding Daimler Dart onto the market. This has to be one of the most proven overseas long distance touring Daimler's we've owned, and to further enhance the desirability of this car we can also confirm it’s a matching numbers car, still retaining its original colour combination and it boasts some superb modifications to include overdrive, rack and pinion steering and B spec chassis modifications. We first sold this car in 2016 to a regular customer in Scotland, 1000 faultless miles were covered in the Dart and it returned again in 2018 when we supplied it to a local customer. He has also covered around 1000 faultless miles in the Daimler. Prior to 2016, it had been with one owner near Leeds since 2009 and in seven years completed 20, 000 miles having toured the Black Forest region of south western Germany, extensive touring of France passing through the Mont Blanc tunnel and trips to Italy touring through the North passing Lake Como and the Stelvio Pass. With overdrive, rack and pinion steering and a truly superb, perfectly running and performing engine and gearbox, this has to be one of the very best for long distance touring and it most certainly does not disappoint on the road with outstanding all round performance.
From the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, we can confirm JFO 263 was manufactured on the 3rd May 1960 and supplied new in the UK by Mantle and Boarland. The Dart left the factory in Ivory with Brown trim and has been kept in original colours. We are told the Daimler was purchased new by a U. S serviceman and a Manufactures statement of build letter is included in the file of history confirming the car is of UK origin and was sold out of the UK to the Export market. The car returned to the UK and was back on British roads again by 1995 having had 'B' spec chassis modifications made.
When we first supplied the Dart in 2016 our Malton Coachworks workshop facility fitted new front and rear brake pads and discs, new rear wheel bearings and supplied and fitted a brand new windscreen. The owner prior to 2016 had spent substantial money on taking the car to an outstanding level both in terms of cosmetics and mechanical condition and we have receipts for rack and pinion steering, an overdrive unit, track rod ends, re-conditioned radiator, new half shaft seals, poly bushed suspension, re-conditioned water pump, new distributor, new exhaust manifold, engine work to include new piston rings, exhaust valve guides, inlet valve guides, new gearbox seals, diff pinion oil seal, new clutch slave and master cylinder and new fuel pump. Invoices for cosmetic work total over £10, 000 to include a full professional re-paint in March 2015 and a full re-trimmed upholstery and new hood in 2010.
As result of the above expenditure and careful recent ownership it is no surprise the car is truly magnificent to drive with exceptional performance and handling. The fact the car has covered 22, 000 miles and achieved such reliable Continental touring is evidence of the condition. The steering is immensely enhanced from the rack and pinion steering and with its recently overhauled brakes it stops efficiently. The engine ticks over and performs superbly, it holds excellent oil pressure and does not have any smoking on start up like so many Daimler V8's. The gearbox is excellent, robust and effortless to use, the overdrive enables even further relaxed high speed cruising and the car is responsive, quick and fantastic fun. JFO 263 presents superbly with an exceptional paint finish with no crazing. The body is fantastic with impressive panel gaps and the underside is top class with an exceptional chassis. With stunning chrome work, a first-class re-trimmed upholstery, stunning mohair hood plus cover and a highly detailed, first class engine bay this really is a fabulous machine that looks, sounds and performs superbly.
