1968 Daimler 250 V8

Purchased from a mechanic in East Bergholt in 1988, this Daimler 250 V8 is dear to the owner’s heart who referred to it as the “passion wagon”. The car is being sold by the widow of an avid car enthusiast and collector. This car brought the owner and her late husband many happy memories, accompanying them on many countryside picnics in Dedham. Due to the owner’s late husband’s deteriorating health, this car was last driven eleven years ago and it has been in barn storage since. As such the car has clocked up a very modest 9,728 miles in its 54 years.

The chassis number is PIK4910BW and the engine number is 7K5024. Whilst the interior is in good nick, the exterior, underside and under the bonnet bare the evidence of sitting idle for over a decade. This car comes with its original car key and, though not photographed, it is being sold with four original chrome hubcaps (two of which are in fine condition, while the other two are in need of restoration). It also comes with a cover for the car and a fitted tray containing a handful of tools and running spares.

The bodywork reflects that this car has been sitting idle for some time. Though covered under velvet curtains for the best part of eleven years, the sable brown paintwork has dulled and looks tired throughout. The roof is water-marked, the paintwork has peeled on the rear passenger side panel and the paint is scuffed on the inside of the driver’s front wheel arch. There is evidence of rust on the left-hand side of the bonnet and driver’s front side panel. The chrome work needs attention throughout, as there is missing chrome-work on the A frame by the passenger door window and there is rust showing on the front and rear bumpers. The exhaust looks affected by rust throughout and the rubber seal above the bumper looks weathered and cracked.

The interior of this car looks original. The seats and door trims are upholstered in tan leather and, with fluted seat facings, they are ‘ventilated’ for greater comfort. There is only light wear and creasing on the seats, just enough to validate their originality but not enough to cause any damage.

The instrument panel and dashboard are cloaked in a lovely walnut, which appears in good condition and sets off the black Smiths dials and attractive analogue switchgear. The windows are also framed in the same wood finish.

The radio player is mounted centrally under the dash and appears to be the original. The owner’s late husband restored the original tan carpets and they seem to be in good order. In the boot, there is mostly painted metal on show but there is a fitted liner over the floor which appears in good order. Lifting the boot floor panel reveals the full-size spare steel wheel with identical rubber to the operational set. There are a few patches of light rust around the internal rim of the wheel arch but it is not of great concern.

Under the bonnet is inspired by the much larger Jaguar XK engine block. The Turner V8 seems to take up very little space and is set back in the engine bay to improve the weight distribution. The engine and ancillaries are largely original and appear to be affected by rust, namely around the cam belt. Later Daimler models like this were built with negative earth electrics and an alternator instead of a dynamo/generator and also had an air filter for each bank of cylinders.

The exhaust and suspension have been affected by rust while the spare wheel cover and undersides carry road grime and dirt. Sitting idle for eleven years means putting the car on the ramp for a more comprehensive look wouldn’t go a miss.

The owner cannot recall any work being carried out on the car and describes it as “fully original”. This Daimler 250 comes with MOT test certificates from 1981, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1990.

The distinctive V8 two-and-a-half litre twin carburettor engine with its turbine-like smooth performance is powerful and progressive. There is no doubt that these cars have a very individual character, combining high performance with traditional Daimler comfort and refinement. Though the car has been in barn storage for 11 years, the owner is fairly confident that once the battery is replaced and the oil is changed, the car should start. While there’s no reserve, we think you’ll have to part with somewhere between £10,000 and £15,000 to make this car yours.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in Ipswich. 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’.