1967 Daimler V8 250 MkII Sports Saloon
Registration no. PPD 89E
Chassis no. P1A1216BW
Engine no. 7A12840

Jaguar's principal motive in purchasing Coventry neighbours Daimler had been the acquisition of much needed production capacity without the expense of constructing on a distant 'green field' site. The fact that the purchase also included Daimler's splendid lightweight V8 engines was entirely incidental from Jaguar's standpoint, yet would result in the creation of one of the finest sports saloons of the 1960s. First seen in the rapid, if controversially styled, SP250 sports car, the 2.5-litre version was judged superior to Jaguar's 2.4-litre XK six and so the opportunity arose to create an medium sized, upmarket model based on the Mk2 saloon, something Daimler's leading distributor, Stratstone, had been crying out for. The job was made relatively easy by the V8's compact nature and the generously sized Jaguar engine bay. Launched in 1962 as the '2½-Litre V8' (later 'V8 250'), the new Daimler came with Borg Warner automatic transmission as standard. More refined than the equivalent Jaguar, the Daimler turned out to be a fine performer to boot, its 110mph top speed exceeding that of an overdrive-equipped, 2.4-litre Mk2 by a wide margin. Not surprisingly, the V8 was soon outselling its Jaguar rival and in due course became the most successful Daimler of all time with more than 17,600 sold up to the end of production in 1969. Finished in Willow Green with Oatmeal leather interior, this automatic-transmission example was purchased by the current (fourth) owner from Hurst Park Automobiles at the Alexandra Palace Show in October 2007. Since then the wheels have been powder coated and five new Dunlop SP tyres fitted, the latter in October 2009 at 71,800 miles (current reading: 73,416 miles). Other works carried out include fitting new horns; re-upholstering the front seats; installing new front suspension springs and shock absorbers; removing, cleaning and repairing the fuel tank; cleaning and repainting the chassis where necessary and Waxoyling; and overhauling the braking system with new pads, hoses, master cylinder, rear discs, etc. Described as in generally very good condition, driving very well, the car is offered with a history folder containing numerous receipts, MoTs and tax discs; original owner's wallet with handbook, service booklet, etc; workshop manual; sales brochure; Lucas parts book; current road fund licence; MoT to August 2014; and Swansea V5C document. A custom-made indoor cover is included in the sale and the car comes complete with full tool kit, jack and wheel brace. The provision of electronic ignition is the only notified deviation from factory specification.