Daimler 2.5 V8

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By installing Edward Turner's lovely 140bhp V8 'hemi' into the MKII bodyshell, Jaguar hoped to create a more exclusive, upmarket car that would appeal to Daimler's more traditional client base.

The V8 was instantly distinguished from its Jaguar siblings by the traditional Daimler fluted grille, while on the inside it had a bench front seat and 3-speed automatic box. Otherwise identical to the MKII, it featured all round disc brakes, independent front suspension and a Panhard rod located live rear axle.

It also enjoyed superior chassis dynamics to its Jaguar siblings thanks to its more favourable weight distribution due to the alloy construction of the V8, some 50kg lighter than the six-cylinder Jaguar equivalents. The combination was a brilliant one, with the musical and muscular engine complementing the feline bodywork purrfectly.

Autocar tested a 2.5 V8 and timed it to 60mph in 13.8 seconds with a top speed of 112mph, commenting that: “The Daimler’s particular strength is its sweet and near silent running at any engine speed.” By the time production came to an end in 1969, some 17,600 had been sold, making it the best-selling Daimler ever.

This lovely Daimler V8 appears to have covered just over 70,000 miles in 55 years in the hands of only three owners, the first and second of whom are believed to have been husband and wife. Supplied new on 1st January 1964 in Scarborough, it would stay in North Yorkshire until 1980 when it moved to the south of the county where it remained until recently.

The Daimler has benefited from recent attention to the braking system and the vendor tells us that it has a sweet-sounding engine which is “very willing and pulls strongly”. The original grey leather interior has a lovely patina and a new carpet set has recently been fitted.

Assorted maintenance bills accompany this very original car, along with various old MOTs back to 1980 plus an original handbook and service book.