Daimler 2.5 V8 Saloon

The 2.5-litre V8 was the last Daimler car to feature a Daimler engine after the marque was acquired by Jaguar in 1960. 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.

Launched in 1962, the 2.5 V8 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. 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, some 50kg lighter than the 6-cylinder Jaguar equivalents.

Autocar magazine tested a 2.5 V8 in May 1966, when it achieved a top speed of 112 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 25 seconds. At the end of 1965 the final drive ratio had been changed from 4.55:1 to 4.27:1, addressing complaints that the car as launched in 1963 had needed to exceed its recommended rev limit in order to reach its top speed.

Purchased new via Coranville Motors of Burnley, this earlier model V8 has the desirable deep bumpers. It was first registered in July 1966 and 17 MOTs since then would indicate the 66,225 miles to be genuine, while photographs show that the car was subject to a comprehensive body restoration sometime in the 1980s, when sporty Coombs rear spats were also fitted.

The bodywork is in very sound condition with good panel gaps. Internally the restored wood trim looks virtually as new and the headlining has been recently replaced, altogether making for a very appealing car. MOTd until July 2011, this Daimler comes complete with a large wad of invoices, original service book and handbook and looks excellent value at the suggested guide price.