Daimler V8-250 Automatic

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With its aging product line up and painstaking production methods used in its limousine coachworks, Daimler didn’t really have a chance of survival in the brave new world of the 1960s until Jaguar came to the rescue, absorbing the company, using the marque as their range-topping luxury model until 2003.

Current owners Tata have hinted to the press that the name may yet return as a competitor to Rolls-Royce and the now defunct Maybach, although the latter’s disastrous sales performance may well have put them off!

Unveiled in late 1962, the Daimler 2.5 V8 was probably more opportunistic than strategic. Rather than sitting at the top of the Jaguar range, it found itself sitting towards the bottom of the pecking order. Based on the Mk2, its 142bhp engine was more powerful than Jaguar’s 2.4-litre six-cylinder twin cam, but produced less than their 3.4-litre, although its 50kg weight saving made up for some of the difference.

In the end it all came down to fixtures and fittings and in true Daimler tradition the 2.5 did not disappoint. Split leather bench seats, lashings of walnut, plus a traditional ‘fluted’ grille and rear number plate light helped differentiate it from its Jaguar sibling. It was also quite different to drive, the sweet Edward Turner designed ‘Hemi’ V8 thriving on revs. By 1965 the final drive had risen to make high speed cruising more relaxed and in 1967 it was renamed the V8-250 with slimmer bumpers, a revised dashboard and reclining front seats.

‘Autocar’ timed it at 112mph flat out with the 0-60mph dash taking 13.6 seconds. Fuel consumption was a respectable 19mpg overall and it cost £1,647 including purchase tax, some £100 more than the Jaguar 2.4.

This 1969 V8-250 was purchased by the vendor in 2002 from Robert Hughes Automobiles, the Weybridge-based Jaguar and Daimler specialists. At this time the odometer indicated a mileage of 42,000 miles, a figure which was believed to be correct. Now, some 13 years on, the mileage has increased by a further 20,000 miles, the car retaining a nice level of patination following its careful ownership.

Restored prior to purchase, we are informed that the bodywork remains sound, the car driving nicely with a tidy interior, excellent wood trim and good chromework. It retains its original engine and suede green leather reclining front seats.

The file of documentation includes the original wallet including the handbook and lubrication chart and various bills and invoices show that it has had recent service work carried out to the steering and brakes.

Originally UK registered PEL 151G, it currently carries the Irish number plates that it has been wearing since purchase in 2002. The active Daimler and Lanchester owners club welcome these fine quality machines offering plenty of opportunty for the new owner to enjoy it. The charismatic V8 sound track makes them a particular pleasure to drive, the occupants soaking up the unmistakable aroma of fine British leather and wood polish as they waft along.