Apart from gaining a much-needed extra factory, Jaguar's acquisition of Daimler in 1960 also brought with it the exquisite Ed Turner-designed V8 engine. By installing this 2,548cc 'hemi' into the MKII bodyshell, Jaguar hoped to create a more exclusive, upmarket car that would appeal to Daimler's more traditional client base.
Launched in 1962, the new model was instantly distinguished from its Jaguar siblings by the traditional Daimler fluted grille and was initially only available with 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. With 140bhp and 155lbft of torque on tap from its magnificently smooth and sonorous V8, the Daimler was capable of 115mph. It was also said to enjoy superior chassis dynamics to its Jaguar siblings thanks to its more favourable weight distribution due to the relatively light-weight engine.
Dating from the last year of production, this 1969 250 V8 has had just four local owners from new, the third of whom owned it from 1987 until 2003 when it was acquired by the current vendor. He treated the car to new brake calipers all round (uprated Coopercraft units at the front) and a new exhaust system. It has since been in regular use and has completed two trips to the Le Mans 24-Hour race, four up, with no problems whatsoever. Said to be in generally good order throughout and to drive very well indeed, it is taxed for 11 months and has an MOT until September 2009.
The indicated mileage of 68,832 is warranted genuine and is backed up by most old MOTs back to 1986 and a fully stamped up service book from new until 1977 (at 50,406 miles) when it was serviced no fewer than 18 times (an average service interval of just 2,800 miles). Complete with all its original handbooks, it is still fitted with its original Ecko radio set and accompanying operating manual. Altogether a good honest car with a known history from new that has always lived in the Worcestershire area.
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