1968 Daimler Majestic Major

Well, this is a rare old beast indeed.

Presented in Connaught Green, this 1968 Daimler Majestic Major is one seriously elegant classic car. Originally delivered new by Stratstone of Mayfair, it’s been in the vendor's custodianship for four and half years during which time he has used it mainly for family hunting trips and the odd visit to a classic car show.

“I bought it from a chap in East Anglia who had himself owned it for 10 or so years,” he says. “He had toured Europe in the car, and I can see why, because since the day I bought the Daimler, it has always driven extremely well. I’ve had no running issues with it as such, instead it’s just required routine servicing and maintenance”. 

He did however outlay a significant amount of money to have the wood veneer panels in the cabin refinished by ex-Rolls-Royce and Bentley craftsmen (see Interior section below for more detailed information). 

“The Majestic Major has tremendous presence in terms of its size and appearance”. However, the vendor cites the Turner V8 as its most charming feature. “I’m a big fan of that engine in all its iterations – I also have a V8 250 and an SP 250 – and for me, the burble from the 4-litre V8 is music to the ears."

Why is he selling then? “I used to have access to a very capacious storage facility near to my house. Unfortunately, the owner has just sold it and as a result I must downsize my collection of cars. During this year I have sold a number so that I have room to accommodate the remainder within the garage space attached to my home”.

“Overall, the Majestic Major’s exterior is in very good shape. The bodywork is good with very little evidence of corrosion and the paintwork, taken back to bare metal in 2011, remains excellent. Chromework too, is mostly of a similar standard, as are the wheels”.

It is a nice paint finish that stands up well to close inspection; the only place it gets a little untidy is around the outside edge of the rear screen frame, with a few chips here and there.

The Connaught Green finish is nicely set off by the profusion of chrome and we love the small details, such as the V-endowed circular grilles on the front end and the art-deco-esque ‘D’ badge incorporated into the chrome rear bumper. 

It’s very nice and presentable Daimler.

The vendor’s main expenditure whilst owning the car was in the region of £2000, which he spent having the woodwork restored by Derby-based ex-Rolls-Royce and Bentley craftsmen. It must be said that the result of this work is very nice in terms of the interior appearance of the car.

The seats are showing a nice patina. “There is a little tear in the driver’s seat with some cracking of the leather upholstery; I’ve fed the seats, but they would benefit from several more applications”. Re-colouring may be beneficial too as, particularly in the rear, there is a bit of a colour discrepancy between the seat bases and the uprights. 

Carpets are okay – again, fresh ones could lift the overall appearance. While the light headlining is free from sagging and generally clean, save for a mark or two. 

You will find a spare wheel in the boot; it’s a little rusty and crusty but will no doubt do the job, if required.

The big Daimler has been at our HQ for a while now and its visual impact hasn’t lessened. It currently has a flat battery so won’t take a charge, but it runs and drives nicely when we connect our big jump pack. Gearchanges are wondrously smooth, brakes sharp and the suspension nicely cossetting. Best of all, that silky smooth V8 sounds just as good as the vendor intimated and pulls the car along superbly. 

If we’re being picky then the engine bay doesn’t quite present as well as both the exterior and interior – it’s a touch dusty and dirty. However, it could be quite easily tittivated to match the rest of the car. That said, the chrome air filter housing it quite fetching.

Underneath, the chassis looks to be nice and straight. There’s a touch of light surface rust, but it’s relatively minimal. 

The Daimler’s included V5c document indicates five owners from new. Also present in the history file is the original “buff” logbook, which is nice to have. You will also find a host of invoices for work carried out over the years, with many of the parts supplied by The Daimler Enthusiasts’ Club.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos to support our claim that this car has been serviced and maintained to a very good standard, as well as steadily improved by its last two owners.

The arrival of the Daimler Majestic Major certainly saw us pay attention at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ, for many of us had never seen one of these elegant old girls in the flesh before.

It also had us scrambling over to howmanyleft.co.uk and placing bets on the number left on the UK’s roads… just 57 at the last Quarter (Q3), a further 21 SORN – that’s small numbers and means that the next owner of this car will be joining a relatively exclusive club.

Given its splendid condition we think that it will achieve somewhere between £18,000 and £22,000. That’s surely a relative bargain given the V8 splendour on offer - and it's being sold at no reserve, so the highest bid will take it.

If you’re looking for a GT that’s slightly left field, and one that will provide a consummate Sixties saloon car experience, then this could be the classic for you.

Majestic by name, majestic by nature.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.