Lot 04: Daimler V8-250

The Daimler 2.5-V8 (later renamed the V8-250) was a derivative of the all-conquering MKII Jaguar saloon. The model took its name from the engine that powered it - a lightweight, eight-cylinder unit of 2548cc designed by Edward Turner; the aluminium hemispherical cylinder heads of which closely resembled those of the Triumph motorcycle engine which had already made him famous. Turner's silky smooth V8 was first seen in the Daimler SP250 (nee Dart) sports car launched in 1959. Following the merger between Jaguar and Daimler the following year, the new company decided the V8 was the perfect basis for an upmarket version of the MKII Jaguar. Being more powerful than Jaguar's own 2.4-litre straight-six, the V8 endowed the saloon with greater performance (the top speed was around 112mph), and being lighter it resulted in less weight over the car's front wheels, and therefore arguably superior handling and more nimble steering. The 140bhp unit was initially mated to Borg Warner three-speed automatic transmission but could later be had with the option of a four-speed manual gearbox. Daimler versions of the MKII were readily distinguishable by the heavily fluted tops of their chrome radiator grilles and, of course, lacked the 'leaping cat' bonnet mascots of their Jaguar siblings. The 2.5-V8 evolved into the V8-250 during 1967 and continued in manufacture until production of all MKII derivatives ceased in 1969, by which time some 17,620 of the Daimler version had been made. Those who've been lucky enough to own one, know the V8 has a magic all of its own and good ones are increasingly sought after.

The Daimler on sale is a right-hand drive example manufactured in 1968. Equipped with the far rarer manual gearbox, it sports Blue coachwork complemented by a Light Blue leather interior. The vendor apparently knew the original owner of the V8 (the golf correspondent of the Scotsman newspaper), purchased the car direct from him in 1992, and is satisfied that the indicated mileage of 89,734 is genuine. 'LGR 90G' has enjoyed an element of restoration over time and is now regarded by the vendor as having "good" coachwork, "very good" paintwork and gearbox and an "excellent" engine. This very tidy-looking Daimler is MOT'd into May and taxed until the end of April.