1969 Daimler V8 250 Saloon

Despite its outward similarities to the Jaguar Mk II, the Daimler 2 ½ litre V8 Saloon was a completely different proposition. Although it was the first Jaguar designed motor car to sport the Daimler badge, the 2 ½ Litre V8 unit was far more compact and lighter than the Mk II with its six cylinder XK engine. All motor cars were fitted with automatic transmission as standard until 1967 when a manual gearbox became optional. In May 1966 and just three years after its launch, the Daimler 2 ½ litre Saloon was tested by Autocar and found to be efficient, quiet and smooth to drive. The V8 250 arrived in 1967 with improvements such as a leather interior, slim bumpers and other refinements. To this day, the models are widely preferred to their Jaguar sibling because of the Edward Turner designed engine.

This smart example has been in the care of a retired motor engineer since 2008, and has clearly been maintained to a high standard, with regular servicing and rustproofing. MXJ 367H had a photographic, bare metal respray and engine rebuild in 2001; the paintwork is finished well, but there are some areas which will require cosmetic attention, and the bumpers are showing signs of surface tarnish. The light tan leather upholstery is described as being in very good condition, as are the carpets and headlining. The interior has been upgraded with the fitting of earlier Daimler wood cappings and dashboard top facia; Britax front seat belts have also been installed. The motor car is equipped with its factory heated rear windscreen (in working order) and a period Radiomobile unit with an electric aerial. Most of the tool kit is present. The rev counter is at present inoperative, possibly due to a sender unit fault. An engine and power steering overhaul (with a low mileage covered  since) was undertaken in recent years, and the motor car was fitted with a new rear axle pinion oil seal; in 2008, the brakes were upgraded to Coopercraft four pot calipers, and the front tyres are almost as new. Your writer can confirm that the V8 250 performs as excellently as one would expect.

The extensive history file contains the aforesaid photographs, old road tax discs, a log of work carried out, numerous invoices, MOT test certificates, insurance valuations, the V5C registration certificate, the handbook, and workshop and spares manuals.

Auction Date: 9th July 2015