Daimler 2.5-V8 Automatic

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The Daimler 2.5-V8 might have been a 'bitza' in genuine terms, but it emerged from Coventry in 1961 as one of the finest cars of its era.

It was effectively a luxuriously appointed version of the 1959 Jaguar Mk2 combined with the brilliant 2548cc Ted Turner V8 also used in the SP250 Dart. The combination was a brilliant one, with the musical and muscular engine comlementing the handsome and curvaceous body perfectly. The Daimler was a nicer car to drive than the Jaguar thanks to the engine’s light weight and the eight cylinders endowing it with effortless flexibility.  

On launch the Daimler V8 was priced between the Jaguar Mk2 2.4 and 3.4-litre, suggesting that the Daimler brand was more upmarket than Jaguar, but deferred to the more sporting image of the bigger engined cars. What the Daimler buyer got was a 2.5-litre engine which produced 140bhp at 5,800rpm and 155lb/ft at 3,600rpm, superior to the 2.4-litre XK engine. This was mated to the Borg Warner type 35 three-speed automatic transmission which was shorter than the type DG and would not be fitted to the Mk2 until June 1965. So how did it compare with the manual 2.4 Mk1 and Mk2?

In fact the Daimler was streets ahead. Top speed as tested by Autocar in May 1963 was 112.3mph, 0-60mph in 13.8 seconds and fuel consumption was 17.3mpg. In fact the top speed was reached at 6800rpm, which suggests the V8 was a much freer revving unit than the XK. Autocar said: ‘The Daimler’s particular strength is therefore its sweet and near silent running at any engine speed.’

First registered in March 1965, this particular 2.5-V8 is one of the earlier models that retains the deep bumpers that were reduced to much slimmer items on later cars in order to cut costs. It has had just five owners according to the DVLA and has been in the current ownership since 2005. A much-loved family member, it has been kept garaged and used in the summer months only, completing ten gentle road rallies in recent years including the Mendip Tour and the Chipping Sodbury Run.

Always well maintained, it was treated to a £14,000 body restoration and repaint in June 2012 by Prospect Autobodies of Dursley. Burgundy Metallic with a nicely patinated red leather interior, it is fitted with electronic ignition, halogen headlamps, alternator charging and chrome wire wheels with nearly new tyres all round. The automatic transmission was overhauled in 2006. Said to be in good condition throughout and to drive well, it is MOTd until April 2016.