1967 Daimler V8 250

The present owner of this deep red Daimler is the kind of keeper that a classic car really needs; someone with an eye on quality and condition, but who is willing to use the car – to keep the juices flowing and all the parts moving. He’s certainly been keen to do that, taking the car down to the Le Mans Classic in recent times (it never missed a beat) as well as letting it stretch its legs on trips out from rural Lincolnshire.

He’s been keen to keep on top of service jobs himself, and has also benefited (as will the new owner) from the car’s comprehensive rebuild in 2006, when interior and mechanicals were removed and refettled, and the bodywork resprayed. Since then, the Daimler has undergone a little more light mechanical refitting when needed but has remained largely unchanged – and in excellent health and condition.

This shade of red really suits the Daimler’s age and temperament well; darker and more sober, with a lacquer that isn’t too bright. The finish is consistent across the car – very presentable with a good gloss all over and no serious blemishes. There is a small blister on nearside rear wheel spat, but nothing to cause any concern. Panel fit is good, doors line up squarely and the aforementioned spats fit snugly. The flanks are smooth and both boot and bonnet help maintain the car’s symmetrical appearance side to side. Rain gutters are clean and the delicate lips at the edges of the wheelarches appear solid.

There is of course plenty of chrome on the Daimler. There is a little pitting on some smaller parts and the door handles show a mild handling patina, but the overall effect of the brightwork is very striking. The big grill and the trademark headlight clusters remain a lovely feature. The narrow chrome coachline moves smoothly from bonnet to doors to wing panels and all fixtures and fittings are supported by healthy-looking rubber seals and surrounds.

A Jaguar/Daimler of any period is nothing without its interior, and here again, this V8 scores highly. The cabin appears to be a mix of sympathetic restoration and originality, the seats maintaining a generally light patina. Cushions and bolsters remain firm, with all textures and patterns maintained within the material. Ribbed panels are straight and the stitching neat all around. The front seat backs show a little more creasing and cracking, but the overall effect is still good, with the hides all around retaining a subtle cream/mushroom colour. Door panels are similarly good, showing a few minor scuffs, but maintaining the smart ambience of the space.

The leather provides a nice contrast to the carpets and mats (presumably new), both of which are in a quite deep and vivid red. They maintain a good pile and are generally very clean. It’s a similar story with the headlining. So often on these, it sags and is warn, but the material above your cloth cap and trilby is clean and taut.

Of course, Jaguar-Daimler’s other trump card is the woodwork and the burr walnut has been sympathetically refreshed by the renovators. The tone and gloss of its finish are a perfect muted gloss. There are a few very minor scuffs, but are simply a nod to the passing of more than fifty years on the road. The woodwork retains a nice grain and a warm colour. The smart Moto Lita steering wheel is of course new, but blends in well and remains in character with the saloon’s sporting character. (Okay, the Pioneer hifi maybe less so, but it never really gets in the way, so we forgive it.)

All in all a very smart and pleasing space in which to go classic touring.

This Daimler boasts quite a tidy engine bay – if a little cramped. The paint around the inner wings and bulkhead looks good and panel seams clean and strong. The small black V8 looks a little weathered, but free from leaks of ingrained dirt. Polished metal parts – those tasty carburettors – carry a nicely burnished lustre, while jubilee clips look clean and new. Hoses (some braided) and leads appear healthy in the main though one or two have some tatty connections. Still the, engine bay has a ‘taking care of business’ feel with most components appearing very robust.

The underside of the car inspires confidence, with the underside of the body tub, chassis rails and cross-members and brackets retaining, a good coat of undersealing and showing no signs of undue wear or corrosion. The sills appear solid.

Suspension parts –coil springs, wishbones and steering assemblies etc – appear strong and serviceable. There is an understandable degree of light weathering, but everything looks to be functioning and free-moving. The wheels with their Daimler steel centres loo very presentable and the tyres are quite new – fitted last summer.

The Daimler has with it some original (reprinted) material. You can see the car up on ramps, where new metal was welded in, the fact that it was properly stripped for painting, and exactly what was taken out for refurbishment (everything). The engine is shown in pieces and in different degrees of rebuild.

Maybe the purist version is the straight-six Jaguar, but there’s something very satisfying about the low burble, low-down shove and general smoothness of the V8 Daimler. And this one has certainly proved itself capable of delivering as a reliable and entertaining classic tourer.

Also, this example carries a nice balance of authenticity and renovation, smartness and well-thumbed patina. It’s very presentable without being sugar-coated and it has a real-world classic appeal. The MkII was always a driver’s car and this example remains just that; ready for its next owner who will take up the baton (and maybe the odd spanner) and run/drive with it.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car is located in Spalding, Lincolnshire. 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’.