1966 Daimler V8 250

A quick look at the car’s original ‘buff’ logbook reveals that the first owner rejoiced in the magnificent name of Princess Mary Elizabeth Dulcibel Galitzine, having taken her title and surname from her second husband, the son of a Russian Prince.

Before him, she’d been married to a mere Baronet, Sir Joseph Herbert Spens Fayrer.

We digress.

The vendor, who is a professional DJ, bought the car in 1999 and has used it as her occasional transport to and from gigs around the UK ever since.

In 2006, the odometer read 59,916 miles. Today, the mileage is 66,030. So, as you can no doubt discern, it’s been leading a fairly quiet life over at least the last two decades.

We understand that the car has appeared on the silver screen on one occasion and has also graced a record cover.

In 2014 the vendor set about restoring the car and spent around £10,000 with the Iliffe Body Centre of Market Harborough addressing the car’s bodywork issues, having new panels welded in, and tackling any corrosion.

The car was resprayed at that time in the splendid shade of green you see today.

In 2017 the car made its way to Brownings Garage, London WC1, where the cylinder heads were removed and all manner of skimming, adjusting, fettling and honing ensued in the pursuit of getting the engine fighting fit once more. This work came at a cost of over £4,000 and also included overhauling the brakes.

Today, the car starts, runs, goes and stops with plenty of competence but would, we think, benefit from a service and tune-up to make the most of the remedial work carried out by respected marque specialist Marcus Barclay in July 2024.

In terms of overall condition, the car is telling two rather different stories. The exterior is really very good indeed. Whereas the interior needs some significant attention in places, although there are areas that have already been restored/refurbished/renewed as appropriate.
 

The car presents well from every angle and is a fine-looking example of both the model and the marque.

It really is very handsome and the 2014 respray has retained plenty of lustre and depth of shine.

Aside from some swirly scuffs along the rear bumper, the chrome-work has held up very well in general and is mostly free of any foxing, pitting or tarnishing.

The chrome hub caps on the offside have fared a little better than their counterparts on the nearside.

The matching Vredestein Classic tyres may well be rather long-in-the-tooth by now.

The bodywork is reassuringly devoid of any dinks, dents or creases of consequence and the panel gaps and shut-lines are at least as good as they would have been when it left the factory.

There are some chips to the paint on the nearside wheel-arches and a split in the paint below the windscreen.

The lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings are all in good order. 
 

When you first set eyes upon the interior you will be in two minds what to make of it.

The door cards are splendid and look newly refurbished or replaced.

The wood on the dashboard and door cappings is equally impressive and is largely beyond worthwhile criticism.

But then you turn your attention to the upholstery, carpets and fabric trim, all of which have seen rather better days.

There is a large rip in the front passenger seat squab and the rest of the upholstery is exhibiting levels of wear that go some way beyond patina and into the realms of dilapidation.

The carpets are faded, worn and tired; the headlining is holed and stained; the parcel shelf is rather out of shape; and the fabric trim around the doors is, variously, worn, torn, loose or otherwise sub-par.

The instruments, controls, knobs, switches and dials look good and, as far as we’re aware, everything does what it’s supposed to do.
The boot looks solid and intact. It contains a spare tyre (with no wheel). 
 

The engine bay is reassuringly clean, dry and tidy.

The car’s undersides appear to be possessed of a good amount of structural integrity and don’t look to have deteriorated in any way since the major restoration of 2014.

Nothing we’ve seen has given us any reason to tut, frown or harbour any lingering doubts.
 

This car comes with various bills, invoices and receipts attesting to work carried out during the vendor’s tenure and curation.

There are photographs of the car being restored in 2014, plenty of old MoT certificates, some manuals and guidebooks, a V5C, and a recent HPI report.

It comes with an MoT certificate – with no advisories whatsoever – that’s valid until 28th May 2026. 
 

So much rarer that the Jaguar Mk2 with which it shares its bodywork and profile, the Daimler V8-250 has the inestimable benefit of having a truly legendary engine under the bonnet.

We imagine that this particular Ted Turner V8 masterpiece is just a light service and a gentle tweak away from being what it should be – which is as smooth as a Brylcreemed otter in an evening suit.

The bodywork and mechanicals are in first-rate order, largely because the vendor has taken it upon herself to do most of the expensive heavy lifting.

You just need to spend a few bob on the interior and you’ll soon find yourself the happy owner of a thoroughly well-restored, usable and increasingly sought-after classic.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £7,000 - £9,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.