Description
It is the manual with overdrive version and is therefore the most sought after. I've listed it as five gears, that being four speed box plus overdrive. Manual transmission, with or without overdrive, only became available from 1966 and was not sold in huge numbers, buyers of new Daimlers generally preferring automatic transmission. Manuals are therefore comparatively rare and, being more economical and arguably nicer to drive, are more popular with classic enthusiasts.
It is very much as it would have left the factory. Wire wheels and radial tyres (Dunlop SP41s) both being available as factory options by 1968. The only non standard items are rear lap and diagonal seat belts, high level brake light and a self adhesive rear screen heater (presumably fitted when the original ‘in-glass’ element failed). All could be removed easily for originality.
This one came to me in 2024 with a very extensive ‘history’ file
Like most of these cars, which were certainly not designed for long term survival, mine has experienced repeated spells of restoration during its 57 year life. Surprisingly, it doesn't seem to have been out of commission for more than a year or two at a time and has been MOT tested fairly consistently, even since it has been exempt. It is for sale with MOT to 13th October, 2026.
The owner before myself had the car for 13 years and brought the car to quite a high standard, bodily and mechanically.
While by no means concours, it is a very presentable and apparently sound car that has been reliable during the albeit short time that I’ve had it in regular use, attending events.
I am often told what a splendid wedding car it could be.
There are photos indicating a major engine rebuild and it shows strong oil pressure when driving. After idling in traffic congestion the pressure does drop and blue smoke is in evidence when you eventually drive off but I am assured by other owners that this is normal for these engines.
It has had several re-sprays but as far as I can tell gold was the original colour.
The owner before me spend many thousands of pounds in rolling restoration work, much of which is evidenced in the history file. I have benefited in that very little has been required during my ownership but it has had a new water pump and bonnet release cable. It has just had a track rod and a top ball joint, banjo washers on the oil supply and rocker cover gaskets (tappets checked/ adjusted of course). These latter were identified as 'advisory' jobs during the recent MOT.
It comes complete with correct user and workshop manuals, large (full colour) wall poster wiring diagram, original type tool kit and a small collection of spare parts. When I came across the car, it was virtually identical to one I had owned in the 1990s but had not managed to get back on the road (long story). I just had to buy it so as to close that sad chapter of my classic car ownerships.
I have greatly enjoyed this as my ‘show’ car since last November and it has regularly appeared in the V8 250 Facebook group attending events around Yorkshire and Lancashire. However, I am all too conscious that there are other classics I still want to own and time is running out faster than I would like.
Originally sold by J. H. Naylor & Sons. (Northallerton), the car has moved around the country including Cumbria and the midlands before returning to historic Yorkshire. The V5C shows 8 former keepers, many of whom will have done various bits of restoration and the history file details some of this, in particular during recent years.
