Highlights

One of the last ‘big bumper’ 2 ½ V8s
Exceedingly desirable factory manual gearbox with overdrive
Just three former keepers
Runs and reportedly drives well
Great potential as a rolling restoration project

The Appeal

After purchasing Daimler in 1960, Jaguar soon made use of their Turner 2.5-litre V8 engine which found its way under the bonnet of the MkII by 1962. With a luxuriously appointed interior and redesigned grille, the Daimler 2 ½ V8 (later called the 250), was regarded as a premium version of the esteemed MkII. Most were ordered with an automatic gearbox, but some, such as this sought-after example, had a four-speed manual with overdrive.

Offered as a rolling restoration project: driving well, fundamentally solid and in reasonably good cosmetic order, this Daimler has a lot of potential. As one of the rare and much-coveted ‘big bumper’ factory ‘MOD’ cars, this Daimler is the pick of the bunch and eminently worth saving.

The History and Paperwork

Accompanied by a copy of the original service manual and spare parts catalogue
Just three previous owners
The vendor states that the Daimler Owners’ Club informed them via email that this car is once of just fifty ‘big bumper’ Daimler V8s with a factory manual gearbox with overdrive
We’re informed that there is a Certificate of Authenticity from Jaguar / Daimler Heritage Trust
The vendor believes the 61,353 indicated miles to be correct
One of the last ‘big bumper’ 2 ½ V8s, built on 15th March 1967
Originally supplied by Alec Norman of Gamlingay on 7th April 1967
In present ownership since 2011 and the previous owner acquired in in 2000
Retains its original colour - Opalescent Golden Sand
The vendor tells us that a visual inspection by the saloon registrar of the Daimler Owners’ Club, described it as “structurally sound but in need of bodywork attention”
A history file apparently contains many invoices, 21 old MOT certificates, old bills of sale and correspondence letters from its previous owners dating back to the late ‘70s
Numerous photographs of previous work, including structural welding and cylinder head refurbishment
Garaged and only used in dry weather in current ownership
Comes complete with an owner's manual, spare parts catalogue, nearly complete Daimler tool kit and jack.

The Interior

Tan leather upholstery in very good condition and exhibiting some attractive patination
The vendor points out a small split in the rear bench seat, but otherwise it appears undamaged
The woodwork on the dashboard and door cappings presents really nicely with just a couple of very small areas lifting on the nearside of the dashboard top and one of the rear door cappings
All the switchgear looks great, as do the instruments
The fitment of a new headlining, door cards, front seat belts and leather re-dressing was apparently carried out by Wilkinson & Son Coachbuilders in 2000
No carpet currently fitted in the front, however the vendor points out that the correct ’Tan Wool’ mats can by sourced, with some samples from a specialist supplied with the car

The Exterior

Opalescent Golden Sand paintwork
In need of some bodywork restoration, with some corrosion evident in various places
The vendor informs us that attention is required to the the door bottoms, front and rear valences, rear wheel spats, an area at the top of the front wings and the leading edge of the tailgate
Corrosion-free wheel spat replacements are included in the sale
So far as we could see, the floor pans appear in reasonably good order
The paint continues to shine despite some bubbling and corrosion appearing in a few areas
The chrome is in good order overall, the bumpers having fared well
There’s some pitting to the chrome boot plinth
Sits upon steel wheels, with hubcaps

The Mechanics

2.5-litre V8 engine
Four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Both cylinder heads were refurbished in the 2020's
When the slave cylinder was replaced in 2019 it was noted the clutch was at the end of its adjustment.
The vendor reports that it starts perfectly and runs well
Produces the typical Daimler V8 smoke upon start up
The oil pressure is reportedly around 20-30 PSI
More recent works include the electronic ignition being removed in favour of a factory setup, with parts supplied by the Distributor Doctor
A new SU fuel pump was sourced from Burlen Fuel Systems
A replacement radiator fan cowling is also included in the sale as this was missing
The vendor reports that the manual gearbox and overdrive makes for a particularly engaging driving experience and everything is said to work as it should
All presents well under the bonnet
When the slave cylinder was replaced in 2019 it was noted the clutch was at the end of its adjustment.

Summary

It’s not often you get the opportunity to acquire a Daimler 2 ½ V8 with the incredibly desirable factory manual gearbox and overdrive. In good overall condition, few owners and low indicated mileage, it’s a great starting point for a rolling restoration.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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