1968 Daimler V8 250

In the care of the owner’s late father since November 2017, HST 773G is believed to be one of only 200 examples built with the manual gearbox plus overdrive option. Finished in the classic colour scheme of British Racing Green, its iconic specification is completed with a matching Suede Green interior and chromed wire wheels.

Sympathetically updated to help it better meets the demands of modern traffic, it was previously owned by an ex-RAF mechanic for 22 years, a timespan that included a restoration in around 1995 plus ongoing work between 1998 and 2015.

Her father’s pride and joy, the seller is keen for it to go to another enthusiast who will love and cherish it as he did: “he would have hated the thought of it sitting in a garage under a cover and never being used.”

The British Racing Green coachwork looks terrific, doesn’t it? It’s a classic colour scheme anyway and has rarely looked better than here on a car whose lines are widely admired as being one of the best-looking saloon cars of its era.

It helps that it is in such good shape. With ripple-free flanks, good shutlines, and excellent alignment, the BRG paint has a good depth of shine to it - but then it has been regularly polished over the past six years.

The details are enchanting too, like the boot-mounted reversing light with its Daimler-inscribed glass, and the spotlights that sport Lucas-inscribed chrome bezels.

The chrome wire wheels are in good shape and they’re also fitted with a matching set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres, which were new in 2015.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

There are some blemishes (e.g. #5 and #28) and some of the chrome has seen better days (e.g. #57). More seriously, there is some rust at the base of the nearside B-pillar (#95) that will need sorting out.

The Suede Green interior is nicely patinated – and before you think we are damning with faint praise nothing could be further from the truth because it’s just nicely relaxed and not afraid of its age.

It’s comfortable and comforting in the way a classic grand touring saloon should be. With good facings and decent springing, the seats are still supportive and comfy.

The door cards are excellent but then they were only fitted a few short years ago, as were the carpets.

The Mota-Lita steering wheel, new in 2017, is as gorgeous as they always are and is the perfect interface for such a sporting saloon.

A custom speaker pod has been mounted across the transmission tunnel. This hosts four speakers, with a pair of larger diameter units providing a satisfying bass. The head unit is from JVC.

The front seatbelts were re-webbed prior to it being sold to the owner in late 2017, and it is believed that new rear seatbelts were fitted at the same time.

There is a little work to do – but only a little. The edges of the headlining are a little stained and grubby (#88 and #90) but that’s about all.

As you’ll have seen in the accompanying video, it starts and runs very well indeed. The seller’s father used it for runs across Exmoor from his home in Somerset, with coastal runs another favourite. Used only sparingly, when he did drive it he drove it a decent distance. Perfect classic car use, in other words.

It helps that the Daimler has been discreetly updated with the following to aid reliability and high-speed running:

• Electronic ignition
• Kenlowe electric fan
• New halogen headlamp units and partial upgrade to LED lighting
• Spin-on oil filter conversion

In addition to these upgrades, it benefits from having had the following work professionally carried out just before he bought it:

• Front suspension re-build
• New fuel pump
• Speedo overhaul
• New clutch master and slave cylinders
• New oil pressure gauge and sender unit

NB: The recorded mileage of just under 60,000 is thought to be around 40,000 miles shy of the actual distance covered thanks to a speedometer change in 2002/03.

It comes with a good history file including a thick wad of invoices for the work that’s been carried out over the years.

There is also a photo album detailing its restoration, plus a three-page typed summary of the work that was undertaken.

The Daimler doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies…

That said, the last MoT certificate expired in September 2021 and it, like almost every one before, was issued with no advisories. Nor, for what it’s worth, did any tester ever mention structural corrosion.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear.

In need of only a little light fettling to bring it back to the condition it’s enjoyed since the mid-nineties, this delightful Daimler V8 would make a great contender as a first classic for someone who’s admired the Jaguar MKII but wants something a little bit different.

Even better, despite its condition, it’ll almost certainly be cheaper than the equivalent Jaguar, too because we estimate it’ll fetch something between £12,000 and £16,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Bridgwater, Somerset. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.