Daimler V8-250

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When Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960, they gained access to the brilliant Edward Turner designed Daimler Dart 2.5 litre V8 engine.

This was soon shoehorned into the Jaguar MK II bodyshell and being lighter than the cast-iron XK-engine, gave the Daimler version better handling and performance than the entry level Jaguar 2.4-litre model. Projecting the more exclusive Daimler image, the resulting 2.5 V8 model was aimed to appeal to a more traditional client base. A name change to V8 250 coincided with a gentle mid-life update, the specification now including reclining front seats, slimmer bumpers, alternator and heated rear screen.

With its distinctive fluted grille, this 1967 V8 is attractive in Opalescent Light Blue with navy blue leather interior, sporting wire wheels and folding sunroof. Only lightly used in the current seven-year ownership (just a few miles since its MOT pass in May), the car is in essentially sound condition although recent MOT advisories do indicate some preventative work will soon be necessary.

Starting easily on the day of our visit, the exterior shows signs of faded elegance and the car would benefit from some work to the paintwork and exterior to bring it back to its former glory. Inside, the carpets are in good condition, while the important wood trim was extensively renovated in 2004, and this is still reflected in its condition today. All instruments with the exception of the fuel gauge are in working order.

Supplied with a V5C, a Brooklands workshop manual, 13 old MoT's, some invoices and an old buff logbook, this is an attractive V8 saloon which, with some effort and enthusiastic attention, would produce a most desirable and elegant form of transport.