Daimler V8 250 Saloon

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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 upgrades, this model being known as the 250 V8 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 250 V8 is a truly outstanding car that had just one lady owner from new until early 2011 and has covered only 53,000 miles in its 46-year life to date. As the original purchase invoice confirms, it was bought new by Miss Gwendolyn Weldon of Nottingham from CH Truman & Co. on 9th December 1968 at a cost of £2,051 which included the options of Silver Blue Opalescent Paint, power steering and inertia reel seat belts.

The huge history file demonstrates that the car has always been maintained regardless of cost – by the supplying dealer until 1979 and by Mann Egerton of Nottingham thereafter. A Daily Telegraph road test from 2011 (when the car was being offered for sale by Hurst Park Automobiles of Surrey) states that: “This light blue Daimler is one of those astounding finds that aren’t meant to exist any more: one lady owner from new and chauffeur driven… retaining every bill from new”.

With just three further owners since Miss Weldon, the car remains in magnificent condition throughout and has been kept in a Carcoon by the current owner. MOTd until February 2015 with no advisories recorded, it is said to drive superbly and certainly started instantly and ran beautifully as we manoeuvred it to take these pictures, with that wonderful V8 burble from the twin stainless steel exhausts.

Retaining all its original handbooks in their original wallet, it also has a complete original tool kit and original sales brochure plus much other documentation including the original green log book and a modern V5C. As the Daily Telegraph remarked, cars like this are almost non-existent and this spectacular Daimler is surely good enough to take pride of place in any collection.

PLEASE NOTE: The true colour of this car is closer to the first picture than the others.