1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 (V8 250) |

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1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 (V8 250)

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Sold Price

£18,020

Mileage~44,777
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine2.5L
LocationDidcot

SOLD

1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 (V8 250)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

The Daimler is all about cruising in luxury, not driving it like you stole it!

First announced in 1961, it's a well-known fact that the lightweight V8 engine from the sports SP250 provided the already talented MK2 Jaguar platform an added flexibility to its attributes. The Daimler was never pushed by the manufacturer, as it was said that William Lyons preferred the established straight-six engines. As a result, the unfair reputation stuck and the car remained something of a hidden delight. Its virtue of being one of the finest British V8 saloons ever made in a head-turning elegant stylish package makes it one of the best cruising saloons of the '60s.

Used for much of its life as a VIP chauffeur driven car, it is said to have conveyed the very top of the British establishment in its heyday. With just 44,777 recorded miles on the clock, and subject to regular maintenance, the Daimler is being placed for sale by the widow of the owner. Finished in black with a smart red leather interior, this very solid car has seen very little in terms of use over the last 20 years but has still been subject to yearly MOT's.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Annie the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

My husband cherished the Daimler, it's an emotional experience to have to sell it now after all these years.

Registered in Reading in 1964 the car is believed to have been acquired in the mid-'70s by the current owner's late husband. It was used mainly for VIP travel as part of their companies taxi hire service, and it is said that former prime ministers were chauffeured in the car while visiting the local area. As a result, it has been well maintained and used sparingly over its near 50 years of service.

After the owner passed away, his wife Annie retained the car and the local garage has kept it in roadworthy condition over the last 20 years. Annie has been persuaded by her family to sell the car, mainly to free up funds and space.

Annie

Vehicle Owner

Annie saved £3,240* when they
sold their Daimler with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

This car has been truly cherished. A genuine one-off opportunity to obtain something rather special.

Wheels and Tyres

The steel wheels and trims are in very good condition, the Daimler logo sitting in the middle of the hubcap makes for a welcome change to all the wire wheels we are used to seeing. They show just minor signs of wear.

The tyres are likely to be over 30 years old, and while they are road legal with decent tread, it would be advisable to replace all four if you're thinking of doing any significant mileage in them.

Bodywork

The body is very straight, with flush fitting panels and a very good level of panel fit. The body is remarkably free from significant corrosion, clearly a benefit of being stored in a garage and regular cleaning.

Structurally the car is full of good news, with no issues noted in the engine bay. The chassis legs and cross-member look solid, with an MOT advisory regarding a nearside rear suspension mount being the only corrosion being flagged. In summary, the bodywork is a reflection of the mileage and use the car has had over the years.

Paint

It's not often that you find a Jaguar Mk2 in black, let alone a Daimler 250 V8. The paint is well finished throughout, retaining a deep gloss across all the panels. The car has likely seen a respray in its past, and careful storage and care has meant it will turn heads to this day.

Glass and Trim

The chrome trim has been well maintained, with minor signs of age in places but overall retains a high standard of finish.

The glass is in good condition throughout, with no significant damage observed. Much of the door, trim, bumper and glass rubbers would benefit from a replacement, as age has caught up with them somewhat.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior is a masterclass in elegance and taste, sitting and driving on the front bench style seat is a position of comfort.

Seats and Carpets

The leather seats have typically aged but displayed a rather pleasant patina, the red leather provides a pleasant contrast to the black exterior. The carpets have aged well with no major damage, all painting a positive picture of the low mileage and cherished use of the car. The door cards are clean with no damage, with solid wood cappings, with the trim and chrome is good condition.

Dashboard

The walnut veneer dashboard has aged very well, with a light sheen of patina but without any notable damage. The switches and controls are in good condition, with the radio, in particular, looking very appealing on a neatly presented dashboard. All of the controls are said to be functional.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel in keeping with the pleasing condition of the interior, it is in good condition with limited signs of wear. This car is about cruising, and so the large Daimler steering wheel with thin grip is one you can imagine using with just a finger. The column change gear lever is in good condition too.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The Daimler V8 engine is a thoroughly well-designed unit, a genuine jewel in a comfortable nest.

Engine and Gearbox

Mechanically sound, the start-up was seamless and the V8 fired up immediately with positive signs that the engine was in good order. Due to the lack of use, it may need a proper check-up and perhaps a service but the regular MOT's at the local garage should have helped flag up any past issues. There was a drop of oil from the steering box noted. The engine shows lots of evidence of maintenance and the exhaust looks in excellent condition.

Suspension and Brakes

The running gear is in good overall condition. The brakes are in solid visual condition, with no problems with their use, no fade or juddering observed or noted in MOT tests.

The Drive

The car is said to run well, although the car would benefit from a long run to get the engine back into a rhythm again. The steering is said to be free from any significant play, with the ride retaining much of its original allure.

Electrics and Other

The electrical aspects of the car are said to all be up to scratch. The car has been said to have spent all of its life garaged, with regular valeting.

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History and Paperwork

This is a unique opportunity to acquire a 60s Daimler 250 V8, it comes with 45 years of MOT's, all proving its unique provenance.

The car comes with an impressive history of MOT's stretching back to 1976, which helps build a pattern of its use throughout its lifetime. Regularly used until 2000, the car was then seemingly retired but its MOT's were still carried out helping to further back up the mileage.

With only a handful of advisories appearing on the previously blot free paperwork, this example is fully road legal and any issues that may need future attention are comparatively minor and straightforward fixes. Everyone raves about the big 3.8L Mk2's, but take a spin in one of these beautifully smooth 2.5L V8's and you'll understand why the Daimler was the choice for royalty worldwide.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5C, HPi.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
01-12-2020	MOT	44,768
29-04-2019	MOT	44,761
19-04-2018	MOT	44,713
21-04-2017	MOT	44,694
31-03-2016	MOT	44,675
17-03-2015	MOT	44,675
31-03-2014	MOT	44,673
20-03-2013	MOT	44,672
15-03-2012	MOT	44,671
02-04-2011	MOT	44,613
18-02-2010	MOT	44,603
18-02-2009	MOT	44,549
12-02-2008	MOT	44,547
16-01-2007	MOT	44,538
03-11-2005	MOT	44,502
06-10-2004	MOT	44,494
29-09-2003	MOT	44,475
07-09-2002	MOT	44,429
21-07-2001	MOT	44,410
04-07-2000	MOT	44,066
08-07-1999	MOT	43,308
14-07-1998	MOT	42,490
09-07-1997	MOT	41,907
23-07-1996	MOT	41,223
25-04-1995	MOT	40,355
07-05-1994	MOT	38,868
24-05-1993	MOT	37,502
21-05-1992	MOT	37,233
18-05-1991	MOT	36,417
08-05-1990	MOT	35,730
06-05-1989	MOT	34,760
05-05-1988	MOT	34,311
21-04-1987	MOT	33,954
29-05-1986	MOT	33,538
28-11-1984	MOT	33,299
29-11-1983	MOT	33,130
26-10-1982	MOT	32,487
03-08-1981	MOT	32,009
15-07-1980	MOT	31,280
04-08-1979	MOT	30,099
26-07-1978	MOT	29,427
04-06-1976	MOT	26,136