Model History

The Daimler 2.5 V8 / V8 250 was a four-door saloon produced in the United Kingdom from 1962 to 1969. It was the first Daimler car to be based on a Jaguar platform, the first with a unit body, and the last to feature a Daimler engine after the company was bought from the Birmingham Small Arms Company by Jaguar Cars in 1960. The engine is the hemispherical head V8 designed by Edward Turner and first used in the Daimler SP250 sports car.

Launched late in 1962 the Daimler 2.5 V8 was essentially a rebadged Jaguar Mark 2 fitted with Daimler’s 2.5-litre V8 engine and drivetrain, a Daimler fluted grille and rear number plate surround, distinctive wheel trims, badges, and with interior details including a split-bench front seat from the Jaguar Mark 1 and a black enamel steering wheel. Special interior and exterior colours were also 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.

Produced from October 1967 to 1969, the V8 250 was a minor facelift and renaming of the 2.5 V8 saloon, and only differed in relatively small details: “slimline” bumpers and over-riders, negative-earth electrical system, 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, ventilated leather upholstery, reclinable split-bench front seats, and a heated rear window.

Equipment

Old English White paintwork, Red leather upholstery, Borg-Warner automatic transmission with dual drive range, Push button start, Electronic ignition, Reclining front seats, Rear central armrest, Lockable glove compartment, Polished walnut dash, Two spoke steering wheel with horn push ring, Twin fog lamps, Self-cancelling indicators, Cigar lighter, Ash trays, Electrically operating windscreen washers, Oil pressure gauge, Water temperature gauge, Fuel gauge, Brake fluid level warning light, High output heating system with windscreen demister, Radio, Chrome exterior trim, Driver and passenger side wing mirrors, Spare wheel, Jack and toolkit, Workshop manual.

Exterior

The Old English White paintwork is beautifully presented with a deep glossy shine and uniform colour across every panel. The plentiful chrome brightwork also remains in superb condition and appears very original throughout. The car was subject to a comprehensive bare metal re-paint a number of years ago and, having been carefully dry stored ever since, the finish still appears fresh. The refurbishment is well documented with plenty of invoices and photographs in the accompanying history file. The underside of the car is also notably tidy.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

Having never required any restorative work the interior remains in wonderful original condition. The red leather upholstery is remarkably comfortable and presents with an attractive aged patina, very much adding to the sense of occasion. The door cards and carpets are in fine order too. The walnut dash is without any damage or significant marking and the switchgear is still reassuringly solid to operate. Up top, the headlining is free from any sagging issues, and in the driver’s door shut the supplying dealer plaque can still be found.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Given a little choke she starts on the button with a delightful V8 burble through the twin exhaust pipes. The car is mechanically very strong and has been well looked after throughout its life. Since purchasing the Daimler from us a couple of years back the current owner has certainly kept on top of the maintenance, treating it to electronic ignition, a new thermostat and water pump, fan belt, idler tensioner, viscous fan, speedo cable, a full carb overhaul, four-wheel alignment, and three oil services.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The 250 sits on its original 15-inch wheels in complementing white and finished with the correct Daimler hubcaps and rim embellishers. They are wrapped in a matching set of period-style Michelin XAS tyres, as sourced form Longstone Tyres in 2019. The brakes have also been checked and remain in fine operational condition, bringing the car to a stop safely and in a straight line.

History File

This superb low mileage V8 Daimler was first registered in April 1969. Now at 54 years old, it has driven just 92,718 miles in the hands of only 7 keepers. The accompanying History File is particularly impressive for a car of this era and includes a number of original items, such as the dealer-supplied service booklet, owner’s manual, and Daimler document wallet. The maintenance history dates right back to May 1969 and includes plenty of period invoices through the early 1970s. The paperwork shows many tens of thousands of pounds having been spent over the last twenty years or so. The last service was carried out in March 2023 at 92,559 miles and the car further benefits from the recent addition of electronic ignition. All in all, a very genuine, well maintained example and a car we know very well having sold it to the current owner.

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