1968 Daimler V8-250
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Highlights
- Matching-numbers example
- Heritage certificate
- EZ power steering upgrade
- Full-length Webasto roof
The Appeal
The V8-250 represents a very interesting chapter in Daimler’s history. This was the first of the company’s models to be built on a Jaguar platform (sharing its essence with the Mk2 Jaguar), and also the last to be fitted with a Daimler engine. And what an engine it was! The 2.5-litre V8 was shared with the elegant Dart roadster; its designer – Edward Turner – borrowed cues from the robust Cadillac V8s, adopting the pushrod overhead valve system and, when combined with clever hemispherical heads, it added up to something that was refined, torquey and gutsy.
The V8-250 we have here is a particularly pleasing example: finished in Woodcote Green metallic paint over striking red leather trim, it’s a matching-numbers example with a Heritage certificate, and it drives with the consummate smoothness and refinement you’d expect of a venerable Daimler. Stylish, sophisticated, dependable – it’s the archetypal 1960s luxury cruiser.
The History and Paperwork
- V5 (issued 2022 – car was previously kept in Paris since at least the 1980s)
- Heritage certificate
- 2023 – invoice for £3,384 – fitment of EZ power steering, and assorted other works
- 2023 – invoice for £684 – speedo rebuild and service
- Parisian registration documents
- Sheaf of contrôle technique certificates (equivalent to MOT)
- 1989 – invoice for 33,349 Francs – body restoration and full repaint, plus new chrome trim etc
- 1989 – invoice for 3,172 Francs – full custom exhaust system
- 1991 – invoice for 15,452 Francs – full brake overhaul, etc
- 1992 – invoice for 5,167 Francs – removal of fuel tank and fuel system overhaul
- Assorted other French invoices for maintenance
The Condition
- Woodcote Green paint
- Red leather trim
Finished in elegant Woodcote Green, this Daimler really does cut quite a dash in the metropolis. Indeed, it’s one of those cars that takes forever to photograph, as every single passer-by wants to come up and ask questions about it (most often, ‘What is it?’ and ‘How much is it?’). The coachwork wears a few casual imperfections, most notably a mismatched paint shade on the front doors, and a crack in the paint on the roof on the driver’s side, but these blemishes do little to detract from the car’s inherent star quality: quite simply, when you’re driving this Daimler, everyone wants to be friends with you.
The light lenses and window glass are all good, and the car is fitted with a tasteful set of chrome hubcaps, along with Vredestein Sprint ST tyres.
The quality of the interior is truly impressive. The red leather trim is very pleasing throughout, the seats sumptuously stuffed, and the carpets are in good order. The car benefits from a full-length Webasto mohair roof, which pulls back to open up the cabin to the open air in fine style.
The wood trim on the dash and door cappings is in lovely condition, with no lacquer peel or evident sun damage. The doors all close with a pleasing thunk, and the windows wind up and down as they should. Inside the boot it’s all dry and tidy, and under the carpet we find the correct spare wheel along with the original toolkit which is fully stocked.
The Mechanics
- 2.5-litre V8
- Column-shift auto
The V8 engine is what really gives the Daimler its character – to the untrained eye, you might assume that this is a Mk2 Jaguar from the outside, but there’s no way you’d make that error from the driver’s seat; this characterful motor provides supreme smoothness and tractability. It appears to be in fine fettle too – it starts readily on the button, idles happily, and pulls with vigour through the revs.
It’s also very happy to waft, riding smoothly on its suspension and whispering through the city with impressive quietness. It really does feel like a car that’s been looked after, and has many lives yet to live.
Summary
If a Mk2 Jaguar has ever been on your wish-list, this Daimler is absolutely something that you ought to seriously consider. All the elegance and panache of the iconic Jag, but with a rare-groove twist that makes it a proper talking point; that sublime V8 engine alters the character in intriguing ways.
With an older restoration and a tasteful specification, it ticks a lot of boxes – and the fact that it’s not 100% concours means that you won’t be afraid to use it. This is a robust saloon that you can pop to the shops in and cruise through the city on the regular – and when you fancy flexing your right ankle a bit, your cops ‘n’ robbers fantasies could become a joyful reality with this entertaining and stylish British classic.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers areresponsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Daimler
- Model 250 V8
- Colour Green
- Odometer 96,865 Miles
- Engine size 2498
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Wandsworth
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
2
bids
- davidfe•••• £6,000 03/05/24
- Michael•••• £5,000 02/05/24
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