Coventry based Jaguar acquired Daimler in 1960 and went on to revitalise Daimler sales with the 2.5 V8. Based on the Mk 2 Jaguar body but featuring the simple V8 engine (designed by Edward Turner), it was tuned and pitched as a more refined touring model offering effortless V8 flexibility and gentle cruising.

Production continued with the facelift model V8 250 from 1967 and offered ‘slimline’ bumpers,   

negative earth electrics, an alternator, and dual air filters. The interior now included new dash padding, door capping’s and split-bench front seats.

  

A total of 17,600 were built between 1962 and 1969 and they represent the perfect combination of handsome curvaceous good looks with a gorgeous sounding muscular engine.

First registered on the 16th August 1968, the early history of this iconic Daimler is currently unknown but it appears to have resided in the Potters Bar area until the current owner purchased it in August 2015 from Abbey Motors, Colchester.

The owner then set about improving this Daimler, and in addition to routine mechanical servicing,

commissioned Fastlane body and paint specialists, Ascot, to carry out some cosmetic improvements in 2016. 

Due to a coolant leak in 2016, a local garage was entrusted to replace the core plugs and heater valve along with new exhaust mounts. The most recent service was carried out in September 2021 by classic car specialists, Bill Rawles, in Medstead.  

The owner has regrettably decided to sell because he simply hasn’t had time to get it out of the garage and enjoy driving it. 

The up to date V5 is present along with a reassuring selection of previous service receipts and the  original service manual, spare parts catalogue and owners hand book.

Looking online the exempt tax runs until the 1st October 2022 and we can see that the last ‘Pass’ MOT expired in November 2021. Going back to 2006, the mileage was recorded at 5,864. So consequently this Daimler has only covered an average of around 300 miles a year during the last sixteen years. 

The opulent and well appointed interior is a subtle cut above the Mk 2 Jaguar and features the expected wood and leather and the rather nice reclining (and wide) split-bench front seats and offers a touch more rear legroom.

The grey leather upholstery, door trims, fixtures and fittings are generally very well preserved except for a couple of small splits to the door trims and slightly loose front door arm rests. The adjustable steering wheel, original comprehensive Smiths instrumentation and switchgear is also in excellent order and said to function correctly. The wood lacquer is a little cracked in places but the wool roof lining is fine. A weekend’s clean and leather food would likely enhance this interior no end.  

Lastly, the boot is clean and tidy and has a slightly worn mat and sound deadening. The floor displays some surface rust, but nothing major, and most impressively, the original and complete tool kit is present along with the jack and spare wire wheel.  

The befitting and glossy blue coachwork is generally very good and free of any visible dings or scratches. There are one or two areas of bubbling, most noticeably to the bottom of the nearside doors and a very small area just below the fantastically styled off-side side light. There is also an area of rust on the lower edge of the boot lid (see photos). The front and rear valances and sills have been re-painted at some point with stone-chip but are in acceptable condition, and the wheel arches and sportier slim rear spats are in good condition.

Without exception, all the chrome work, glass, rubber trim and Lucas lights are extremely presentable and upon first inspection, the underside appears structurally sound. The optional chrome wire wheels with Daimler ‘spinners’ look great and set this stunning car off a treat. The owner has also had five new period-correct Avon tyres fitted just six months ago.  

This unstressed V8 appears to have been well maintained and sits in a tidy and original looking engine bay. The 2,548cc OHV engine puts out approximately 140bhp and should be good for around 110mph. Although unconfirmed, the owner suggests that this reliable engine has probably covered 110,963 miles.

Mated to the factory 3-speed automatic transmission, this engine retains the original SU HS8 twin carburettors and, as mentioned, was last serviced and tuned in September 2021. Whilst manoeuvring this beautiful car around for the photoshoot, this V8 started with ease, ticked over extremely quietly and gear selection was seamless. We didn’t notice any excessive exhaust smoke either.   

On the open road, the owner assures us that the steering, suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes operate well and with relatively new tyres, should be reliable, safe and sure-footed.

The Daimler V8 250, without doubt, represents one of Coventry’s finest. The unmistakable body lines and V8 burble simply exude class and performance.

This example looks particularly stunning in it’s dark blue paintwork and with some continued TLC should look the part for years to come. No expense has been spared in keeping the mechanicals in fine fettle, and with a good parts supply, it should be relatively easy and affordable to keep in this condition. 

The V8 250 also represents great value and is ready to enjoy. So go on - you may be able to afford the car you’ve always promised yourself.