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Daimler 2.5 V8 Saloon Automatic

Daimler 2.5 V8 Saloon Automatic

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Daimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon Automatic
Daimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon Automatic
Daimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon AutomaticDaimler 2.5 V8 Saloon Automatic
Lot number 57
Hammer value WD
Description Daimler 2.5 V8 Saloon Automatic
Registration DSA 674B
Year 1964
Colour White
Engine size 2,548 cc
Chassis No. 1A 5501BW4A5846
Engine No. 7A5959
Documents V5C; MOT until September 2016; Heritage Certificate

Launched in 1962, the Daimler 2 1/2-Litre V8 was one of the finest cars of its era being a more refined and luxurious version of the highly rated Jaguar MkII.

The new V8 was priced between the Jaguar MkII 2.4 and 3.4-litre, suggesting that the Daimler brand was more upmarket than Jaguar, but deferring to the more sporting image of the bigger engined cars. Its crowning glory was the superb Ed Turner-designed all-alloy V8 that had made its debut in the Daimler Dart.

This musical and muscular unit developed a silky smooth 140bhp and 155lb/ft of torque with a wonderfully free-revving nature which made the 2.4-litre XK engine seem coarse by comparison. Mated to the Borg Warner Type 35 three-speed automatic transmission, it gave the V8 a top speed of 115mph with 0-60mph taking 13.8 seconds.

‘The Daimler’s particular strength is therefore its sweet and near silent running at any engine speed’ said Autocar. It also had better handling than the MkII, the lightweight V8 giving more favourable weight distribution. It was quietly dropped from the Jaguar range in 1969 after some 17,600 examples had been sold, a real shame because it was a great car which was never properly replaced.

According to the accompanying Heritage Certificate, this example was manufactured on 27th July 1964 and despatched to New Zealand to the local Daimler agent, Williams & Adams. It was first registered on 14th August 1964, after which it dissappeared from trace until bought by a Japanese collector in the 1980s who shipped it to Japan to join his private collection. It was to remain there until 2015 when it was repatriated to the UK.

Having travelled more nautical miles than road miles in recent years, this sound Daimler was delivered to Jaguar specialists NJ Restorations of Carmarthen for a full bare metal repaint. They noted that it was one of the best Mk2 body shells that they have worked on and that almost no repairs were required apart from the removal of an incorrect non-standard wing mirror.

Mechanically the Daimler was fettled and recommissioned by Robert Grimes (Engineer) who serviced the fuel system including a complete flush from tank to inlet manifold and a rebuild of both fuel pump and carburettors. The ignition system was serviced, fitting new plug leads, points and spark plugs and just to make sure, the sump was flushed out and filled with fresh oil. The cooling system was checked and the cylinder compressions were declared within tolerance.

The gearbox was also serviced with new automatic transmission fluid and an oil leak from the differential was cured with a new seal and gasket. Almost every bush on the suspension system was replaced including the sub frame mounts, and the braking system overhauled with new discs, pads and a rebuild of the brake calipers. New tyres have just been fitted all round and it has a current MOT until September 2016.

The interior is totally original and is one of the highlights of the car. Trimmed in deep red top quality leather it has aged really well and now exudes a warm patina which is enhanced by the top-quality handmade carpets on the floors.

In superb condition inside and out, this lovely Daimler has clearly made the most of living in dry climates for most of its life and is ready for the upcoming summer show circuit.

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