Lot 130 - 1968 Daimler V8 250
| Lot Number | 130 |
| Registration | WME 702G |
| Chassis Number | P1K4060BW |
| Engine Number | 7K4266 |
| Odometer reading | 45,392 miles |
| Estimate | £13,000 - £16,000 |
- Complete restoration in the early 1990’s
- Used sparingly over the last fifteen years
When Jaguar got hold of Daimler, they had a great 2.5 litre, V8 engine that Edward Turner had recently designed and had been putting into the enigmatic Daimler Dart. They discovered it fitted nicely in the Mk. II body shell and had the added bonus of being quicker than the entry level 2.4 litre XK units without out-shining the larger power plants. Being designed by Turner, it shares at least eight parts with the Triumph T-120 Bonneville motorcycle; the V8-250 used domed motorcycle pistons to achieve its compression ratio. It's lighter than the XK-engined Mk. II therefore gets better fuel economy and handles better, although lacks the performance of the 3.4 litre and 3.8 litre. It had the option of a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive or a more desirable three-speed automatic gearbox.
This good 1968 Daimler V8 250, with an automatic gearbox, was the subject of a complete restoration in the early 1990’s when the colour was changed from green to this resplendent dark blue which has remained in good condition throughout. We are informed by the current owner that the car starts and drives well and looking at the MoT test certificate history, it has had very little use. In 1977, the speedometer was replaced after doing 37,365 miles, an old MoT test certificate from 1981 is reading 10,009 miles and in 2010 the mileage was 44,563 miles and since then it seems to have only completed a further 900 miles. The beige leather interior has, at some point, been re-connolised and requires some attention to return it to its former glory. This Daimler is supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in April 2024 and a file containing invoices from the restoration in the early 90’s to 2007 including a few photographs and the original owner’s handbook with hand written notes showing when the speedometer was changed. The V8 250 was known for its combination of comfort, style, power and remains an iconic vehicle to this day.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.