After acquiring Daimler in 1960, Jaguar came up with a plan to increase sales without breaking the bank – use the existing Mk2 Jaguar as the base for a new car. With some cosmetic adjustments and the fitting of Daimler’s own rather tunesome V8, the Daimler V8 250 was born.
Offering, for the time, a meaty 140hp and a top speed of some 110mph, this was the perfect luxury saloon for the lady or gent about town, especially if they liked to plant the right toe every now and then.
This handsome example has been sympathetically restored mechanically and conservatively looked after inside and out, preserving as much of the car’s originality as possible. As such, it presents in wonderful condition, with a heartening and natural patina that we adore.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1969
1 of 4,779 made, according to the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club
18,586 miles (five figure odometer)
Italian registration documents
A.S.I. certification
Service manual
Reluctant forced sale
The Interior
Red Connolly leather upholstery, with a delicious level of patination, offering just the right amount of wear and character
Complementary red carpets, with no notable wear or damage we could see
The headlining looks neat and tight, with no sagging, staining or tears in view
Burr walnut dash and door caps, all presenting in fine fettle, with no significant cracking or warping apparent
Delightfully, the dash still features a period Blaupunkt radio as well as a full complement of gauges
The switchgear and driving controls show well, with a warm weathering consistent with the car’s age and careful use
At the back, the generous boot space is trimmed in dark red carpets and also contains a full-size spare wheel and the tools for removing the wheels
The Exterior
Smart black paintwork still wears an attractive shine, while not looking “over-polished”
There are some marks and minor blemishes to the paint, but nothing that would concern us
The bodywork presents very well, with neat, straight panels and no signs we could see of notable corrosion
At the front we see the iconic Daimler fluted grill and a pair of supplementary driving lamps, while a unique Daimler nacelle graces the rear
All of the brightwork looks to be in good order, with a little pitting and light wear in places
The vendor notes that the front and rear bumpers were rechromed last year
It appears as if there is a small amount of lacquer peel around the rear Jaguar badge
Wheels are well-chromed 15-inch wire items, complete with period-correct “knock off” spinners – they all look to be in fine fettle too
The Mechanics
2,548cc naturally aspirated V8
Twin SU carburettors
Factory power-rating of 140hp and a top speed of 110mph
We’re told that the alternator and steering have been refurbished, while the engine and carburettor gaskets have all been renewed
The vendor assures us that the car runs perfectly, starting quickly and driving very well – they report no mechanical issues
Summary
A desirable and powerful luxury saloon, presented in lovely condition with an impossible to fake level of natural patination, we think this Daimler is a smashing thing.
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.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
