Daimler 2.5 V8 Saloon Automatic

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

When Jaguar acquired Daimler in 1960 they inherited one of the greatest post-war engines ever made, the lightweight aluminium-blocked 2-5-litre V8 engine that Edward Turner had recently designed for the slightly ‘off-piste’ Daimler Dart.

Jaguar soon worked out that this new engine would fit nicely into their MkII body shell and had the bonus of being more powerful and significantly lighter than the entry level 2.4-litre XK units already on offer, adding a wonderful burbling V8 soundtrack into the bargain.

Turner was already famous for his brilliant motorcycle engine designs, the new Daimler sharing at least eight moving parts with the Triumph T-120 Bonneville motor which had come from the same drawing board. The new V8 used heavily domed motorcycle pistons to achieve its excellent gas-flow characteristics and a high compression ratio which contributed to its high specific output per litre.

A Daimler fluted grille and rear number plate surround, special wheel trims, badges and interior details distinguished the Daimler from its Jaguar cousin and they came as standard with a smaller three-speed Borg Warner automatic gearbox with more engine braking than the Jaguar unit which suited the car well. A four-speed manual box was later available as a (rarely specified) option.

This is the second Daimler 2.5 V8 on sale today that has travelled around the world before returning to its home shores, being sold new in Auckland, New Zealand via local Jaguar dealer P Coutts. As the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, it was manufactured on 9th November 1965 and despatched just a month later on 8th December.

Leaving the factory in Silver Grey with a red interior, little is known of its life in New Zealand, a registration sticker in the window indicating that it was still in New Zealand in 1989. Sometime after, it crossed the Pacific to join the other Antipodean Daimler in the sale today, sitting alongside it in the same private collection. In 2015 both Daimlers were bought by a British enthusiast who shipped them to the UK.

Since arriving back home, PWT 149C has been subjected to a thorough mechanical fettle comprising of a fuel system flush and refurb, ignition system overhaul, oil and filter service and general grease and check-over to enable successful gaining of an MOT certificate which is current until October 2016. The red leather interior is original with some damage to the driver’s seat corner and new carpeting is supplied with the car although this has yet to be fitted.

Attractively priced, this Daimler V8 offers affordable entry into quality classic car ownership with the opportunity to drive, enjoy and improve.