1969 Daimler V8 250

The Daimler 2.5 V8 / V8-250 is a four-door saloon which was produced by The Daimler Company Ltd. from 1962 to 1969 and was the first Jaguar designed car to wear a Daimler badge. To the casual observer, it was essentially a re-badged Jaguar Mk2; however, Daimler's version utilised the 2548cc V8 from the SP250 roadster under the bonnet and it was a good match with the stylish contemporary lines of the Mk2 complemented by the well balanced and torquey power unit. Arguably, the Daimler was a nicer car to drive than the Jaguar thanks to the engine's light weight (51kg less) and compact dimensions, whilst the eight cylinders endowed it with silky flexibility. Cosmetic differences included a Daimler fluted grille, rear number plate surround, distinctive wheel trims, badges, and interior details included a split-bench front seat from the Jaguar Mk1 and a black enamel steering wheel. Special interior and exterior colours could also be specified. Most cars were fitted with power-assisted steering but it was optional. Automatic transmission was standard; manual, with or without overdrive, became an option in 1967. The Daimler's Borg-Warner Type 35 automatic transmission was smaller and lighter than the units used on the Mk2 Jaguar and had strong engine braking in each gear range. In April 1964, the Borg-Warner Type 35 automatic transmission was replaced by a D1/D2 type, also by Borg-Warner.

Produced from October 1967 to 1969, the V8-250 was a minor face-lift and re-labelling of the 2.5 V8 saloon and differed in relatively small details: "slim-line' bumpers and over-riders (shared with the Jaguar 240/340 relabelled at the same time), negative earth electrics, an alternator instead of a dynamo and twin air cleaners, one for each carburettor. Other new features included padding over the instrument panel, padded door cappings and ventilated leather upholstery, reclinable front seats, and a heated rear window. Power steering and overdrive were optional extras.

The car offered for sale here is a V8-250, manufactured in 1968, but first registered on the 16th January 1969, making it one of last examples. Finished in Old English White, with a red leather interior, this car is in simply fantastic condition, having benefitted from a no-expense-spared restoration between 1999 and 2001, carried out by classic Jaguar specialists Martin Robey of Nuneaton. This exacting and wholly thorough process included a full bare metal respray, a complete engine and gearbox strip-down and rebuild, a differential, suspension and axle rebuild, with new discs and pads, new chrome wheels complete with new period tyres. According to the vendor, every component part of the car has been inspected, tested and replaced wherever it was felt necessary or expedient.

In addition, the power steering and automatic gearbox have both been refurbished, with the fitting of a new fluted chrome front grill, a new fluted rear bonnet grill, new slim-line chrome bumpers, new chrome trims to bodywork, new headlights, sidelights and indicator lenses.

The inside of the car is equally as impressive. All the seats have been re-upholstered in the best quality red leather, with new red carpets throughout, new wooden trims to door sills, dashboard and vanity cupboard. There is a working period radio, heated rear windscreen, and the original patinated steering wheel.

This fabulous car is accompanied by a number of invoices to the value of £71,000. When the restoration was complete in 2001, the car's indicated mileage was just over 50,000 miles, however, when our car-enthusiast vendor purchased it in 2009, the mileage was still just 51,300 miles. Since this time, the vendor has thoroughly enjoyed the car, driving it with confidence throughout Europe and the current mileage is 57,000, meaning that the car has only covered approximately 7,000 miles in the last 15 years. Apparently, the car has performed perfectly, and benefitting from regular maintenance and up-keep, still looks and feels in superb condition today. The comprehensive history file also contains the car's original buff log-book, a Jaguar/Daimler Heritage certificate helping to confirm its matching-numbers status, an original Daimler Service Manual, numerous MoT certificates (from 2001 to 2016) and an original Daimler promotional brochure for the V8-250.

Equally as attractive as a Mk2 Jaguar with a charismatic engine, these Daimlers are nearly always a little cheaper to buy and have a discerning following. In this super condition, this late-sixties sporting saloon is not to be missed.