Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; engine rebuilt by Robert Grinter and
under 2,000 miles since; repainted in 2015; power steering; a pampered V8 that
drives as well as it looks; hugely appealing and modestly priced
We love the
Daimler V8 here at Brightwells, such a refined car and rather more subtle
than its Jaguar Mk2 sibling. The Daimler handles better too because the
superb all-alloy V8 weighs a lot less than the XK lump – not to mention the
wonderfully cultured V8 soundtrack, like a Riva speedboat burbling out onto Lake
Como.
The Heritage Certificate shows that this
beauty was built in May 1969 finished in Regency Red with a Beige
leather interior and was supplied new via Spinks of Bournemouth to a Mr W
Lorr of Ferndown in Dorset.
While there isn’t
much early history, there are various invoices from 2015 onwards which show that
much money has been lavished on the car in recent years. In 2015 it had a full
repaint in the original Regency Red by Malton Coachworks and it must have been
carefully used since because it still looks wonderful 10 years later.
Malton Coachworks also serviced the car over the
next few years and in 2018 it was sold by Classic & Sportscar Centre of
Malton for £24,500. It seems that the engine then developed a fault so it was
rebuilt under warranty by Daimler V8 specialist Robert Grinter Restorations of
Colchester at a cost of over £12,000, the mileage at this point being 62,720. In March 2021 it was fitted with
power steering which cost another £4,700.
The
current owner acquired the Daimler in July 2023 to join his collection of
fine classics but sadly passed away before getting much chance to enjoy the car.
As you can see in the photos, it looks absolutely wonderful and we think the
current mileage of 64,550 is quite possibly correct.
During its time on site at Brightwells we took the Daimler to a posh
social event where it was much admired by all and sundry, attracting far more
affectionate attention than the modern Ferraris and Lamborghinis also in
attendance.
This involved a 70-mile round-trip
on one of the hottest days of the year and the Daimler behaved impeccably, the
oil pressure and temperature remaining rock steady throughout. It bowls along
happily at the national speed limit, with wonderfully light and direct power
steering, excellent brakes and ride quality that puts some modern cars to shame,
soaking up the pot holes with not a rattle or squeak.
On offer here from a deceased estate, this lovely Daimler has covered
fewer than 2,000 miles since the engine was rebuilt and looks exceptional
value at the modest guide price suggested.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com