The 1959 Majestic Major was the last new Daimler launched before Jaguar took over the company in 1960, based on the previous year’s Majestic but with a larger rear body and, more importantly, a 4.5-litre V8 powertrain.
The Edward Turner-designed 4,561cc unit was both compact and powerful, developed alongside (and closely related to) the 2.5-litre unit in the SP250 ‘Dart’. With a US-sourced automatic transmission, it was an extremely quick car for its day – 120mph and a 0-60 time of around nine seconds are more than acceptable today, so were incredibly impressive for its day, and completely at odds with its rather old-fashioned styling.
The nine-seater Limousine variant arrived in 1961, with the wheelbase lengthened by two feet, quickly finding favour with embassies, business leaders and government offices, not least because it was a third of the price of the equivalent Rolls-Royce.
This one has been with the vendor for the past eight years. A Daimler enthusiast, he also owns a Dart and a 250 V8, but is selling the Majestic to make way for his pre-war Daimler Straight Eight, which will soon be arriving home from the bodyshop. He acquired the car directly from a wedding hire company who had it repainted from black to white.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
First registered in December 1965
Four owners
UK V5C
Tax and MOT exempt
Original buff logbook showing it was first supplied as a company vehicle to the Royal Arsenal Co-Operative Society in Woolwich, London
When new, the car was also issued with a taxi license, presumably for private hire purposes – a copy is attached to the old logbook
Old V5s
Invoices from recent ownership including major gearbox overhaul
Old MOTs and tax discs
Copy of an Autocar road test for the Daimler Limousine
THE INTERIOR
Nine-seater
Fold down occasional seats in the rear
Smart black leather trim in very good condition
Very slight signs of wear to edge of driver’s seat
Wonderful six-dial dash with burr walnut finish and chrome rocker switches
Electric glass divider between driver and passenger carpets
Three-spoke steering wheel with chrome strakes
Carpets and door cards in very good condition
THE EXTERIOR
Good quality repaint in white, carried out in 2010/11
Smart and presentable all over
Very good chrome and trim
Apparently solid underneath, with some small previous welded repairs carried out to a high standard
Small marks and wear and tear but nothing major
Minor paint chips on edge of boot lid
Period-correct modern tyres
THE MECHANICS
4.5-litre V8
Borg Warner DG250 automatic transmission
Comprehensive gearbox rebuild in 2014 (receipted)
Disc brakes all-round
Recently serviced by vendor
Faultless running order
Surprisingly lively performance
Drives well with no known faults or untoward noises
SUMMARY
There aren’t many classics out there that will carry nine and even fewer that will do so quite happily at motorway speeds, but the Daimler Majestic Major Limousine will do this with ease – that 4.5-litre Edward Turner V8 is an absolute peach of an engine: smooth, responsive and graced with a lovely soundtrack to match.
As a quirky family-friendly classic, or as a ready-to-earn entry into the wedding hire world, this one has huge potential.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
