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.

Dating from 1967, this particular Daimler is said to have spent its early life in the benign climate of Jersey, returning to mainland Britain in 1972. In the late 1980s the car was driven into dry storage where it was to remain until late last year. Recently brought back into the light of day, it has been partially recommissioned but there is still work to be done.

We are told that it now starts and runs but will doubtless benefit from a thorough service. The brakes have also been overhauled with new discs and pads, new flexi pipes and new caliper seals all round. It comes with a V5 document and should amply reward the further recommissioning that is still required.