1965 Daimler 2½-Litre V8 Saloon

Jaguar’s purchase of Daimler from BSA in 1960 yielded a number of assets, including the powerful and compact 2.5-litre V8 previously used to power the somewhat ungainly SP 250 sports model. Designed by the talented Edward Turner, the refined 90-degree unit produced more power and weighed considerably less than Jaguar’s own 2.4-litre XK unit and, recognising the potential of Turner’s engine, William Lyons and his engineers installed the V8 in the compact Mark 2 saloon to create a car with an entirely different character, one that appealed to an altogether more sophisticated customer. Fed by twin SU carburettors, the engine developed 140bhp, pushing the Daimler to a top speed approaching 112mph, accompanied by a lovely V8 burble through the twin exhausts. Most Daimler 250 V8s were fitted with Borg-Warner’s excellent T35 automatic transmission that nicely complemented the engine's characteristics offering relaxed, effortless performance. The Daimler’s cabin had the ambience of a traditional gentleman’s club, with a walnut-veneered dashboard, full instrumentation, a split bench front seat and West of England headlining. Power steering was commonly specified and most Daimlers came with leather upholstery, even after Jaguar switched to the cheaper Ambla material on the Mark 2 in September 1966.

This lovely example is on offer from one of Silverstone's most valued clients, a gentleman whose eye for detail and insistence on accuracy mean that his restoration/refurbishments always attract great interest, in fact, in the last few years two of his cars have achieved figures that were Auction World Records at the time, such was the quality. Dating from 1965, this 2-Litre V8 Saloon is finished in Opalescent Silver Grey with dark blue leather, benefits from power steering and has covered just 28,658 warranted miles from new. It was supplied new by Rippon Bros. to N.F. West & Co. Ltd. in Hospital Fields Road, York and they kept the car until 1978 when it was purchased by Dennis Kenyon of Doncaster. In 1982 Trianco Redfyre Ltd became the third owner and subsequently the late Malcolm Harpin purchased the Daimler in 1985.

Recent work includes a complete overhaul of the braking system including new seals, hoses, pipes and discs all round. The cooling system has received attention including a re-cored radiator and the replacement of all hoses, a new exhaust system has been fitted and the fuel system overhauled with a new fuel tank. The indicated mileage is supported by MOT Certificates going back to the 1970s and service invoices from the 1980s. The Daimler appears in superb condition for its age and retains the original interior and carpets which still have the supplying dealer plaque attached and an original Rippon Bros. brochure is in the file. It's in possession of a Heritage Certificate, the current MOT (no advisories) is valid until 23rd September 2023 and the car has been serviced and refreshed in readiness for the sale.

A very rare opportunity to buy a beautifully presented Daimler V8 with super low mileage, in outstanding condition and offered at No Reserve.