Daimler 2.5 V8 Saloon

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. It was updated in 1967 with reclining front seats, slimmer bumpers, dynamo rather than alternator charging, a heated rear screen and various other tweaks, this model being known as the V8-250 rather than the 2.5-V8.

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.

This particular V8 was first registered in Cheltenham in September 1964 and has spent its whole life in and around the town in the hands of just four owners. The last owner bought the car way back in 1973 and it has been in his family ever since. Finished in Old English White with a blue leather interior, the car is said to be in remarkably original condition throughout with virtually no evidence of any previous restoration. Even the paintwork is thought to be largely, if not wholly, original and is still very presentable although somewhat faded. The chromework and the interior are also said to be very presentable and original.

The car is said to run and drive well and has just been MOTd after some six years in storage. It comes with a large history file including various old log books charting all the owners from new, various old tax discs and MOTs (the latter showing the mileage rising from 49,508 in 1973 to the current c.66,300 miles), numerous bills for routine maintenance plus handwritten notebooks and the original Daimler service booklet recording mileages and servicing. Altogether a rare opportunity to purchase a solid, easily improved original car that is largely unmolested and has had very few owners to date.