Description

1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 Automatic

Large history file from new; only 78,800 miles indicated; restored in the mid-1990s and sparingly used since; power steering; much recent expenditure; a most appealing example all round

Altogether a most attractive all round example, both inside and out, of this desirable luxury marque with a large history file from new showing much recent expenditure, two sets of keys and retaining its original green logbook, its original handbook, plus useful factory workshop manuals covering the vehicle and the automatic gearbox  and also retaining its original toolkit.

This Daimler V8 was carefully restored in the mid-1990s, including a full interior retrim, resulting in that satisfying feeling of quality leather, tastefully polished wood and fine carpets. It is a credit to the restorers that today, almost 30 years later, the car still looks virtually as smart as it must have done at the time of restoration.

Following this work the Daimler was sparingly used and stored as something of a showpiece until an extensive recommissioning programme was carried out in November 2019 for the previous owner of 14 years by Formula Fourdrive of Dersingham, Norfolk. This can be summarised as an overhaul of the power steering (joints, column and box), brakes (discs, pads, calipers and replacement of all fluid pipework), suspension, fuel pump, carbs and ignition. (A copy of this detailed schedule can be seen in the last photo on the website).

Our vendor acquired the car in September 2020 and treated it to a full service which included a new water pump and fresh auto transmission fluid (invoices on file). The car then passed its MOT and has since covered around 200 miles including trouble-free Cardigan Classic Car Club runs of 80 miles prior to the lockdown and one of 60 miles earlier this year, the vendor reporting that it drives very nicely. It has certainly been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site with good 40psi oil pressure. As it sits today, 78,811 miles are indicated, which tallies with the numerous invoices, service records and old MOTs on file.

This attractive Daimler V8 was bought new by a Mrs Joan Dixon Beck of Dorset in June 1964. She appears to have kept it until the mid-1970s, the original service book showing that it was regularly maintained by Spink (Bournemouth) Ltd with 12 stamps in the book up to 24,824 miles in July 1969.

Lots of invoices attest to its subsequent upkeep, including what looks like an engine and gearbox rebuild in the mid-1980s when the car had covered around 70,000 miles.

Advertising handouts found in the glovebox indicate some past service as a wedding car, a role which it could still carry off nicely today, making any bride’s father very proud, such is the overall condition both inside and out.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com