Beschreibung:

The Daimler V8 250 is such an assured sports saloon that it seems remarkable that it was created almost by chance. Edward Turner creator of such classic two-wheelers as the Ariel Square Four and the Triumph Speed Twin, designed a splendid 2.5 litre V8 power unit with oversquare bore/stroke ratio and a cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers, similar to the Triumph Speed Twin, with inclined valves actuated by short duralumin pushrods from a single camshaft set high between the cylinder blocks. This was first seen in Daimler’s rapid, if controversially-styled, SP250 ‘Dart’ sports car of 1959. Under pressure from Daimler’s leading distributor, Stratstone, Sir William Lyons introduced a new small Daimler, combining Turner’s splendid 2.5 litre V8 engine with the bodyshell and automatic transmission of the Jaguar Mk II. A traditional Daimler fluted grille was fitted. The new Daimler was quicker and quieter than the six-cylinder 2.4 litre Jaguar, which it soon outsold. Autocar’s S.C.H. Davis, a former Daimler apprentice, declared: "This is not a Jaguar with a Daimler radiator grille and name plate. It can stand on its own." This was the most popular Daimler ever, with sales of over 17,800 between 1962-1967. A direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, King Hussein of Jordan was proclaimed King on 11th August 1951, following the assassination of his grandfather King Abdullah. An accomplished aviator, motorcyclist and racing driver, King Hussein was educated in England at Harrow and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. His love of motoring led him to assemble an eclectic collection of classic cars ranging from a Humber 10 to Alvis, Daimler and Bentley cars via examples of American automobiles, Panthers and Mercedes. Ever since the future King Edward VII ordered his first Daimler early in 1900, the Coventry marque has been a favourite with royalty. In the ensuing century, the British Royal Family has owned more than 100 Daimlers and many of the world’s rulers, from the Kaiser to the King of Siam, have numbered Coventry Daimlers among their state vehicles. But it was enthusiasm rather than the dignity of office that led his late Majesty King Hussein of Jordan, a discriminating collector of classic cars, to acquire this Daimler V8 250, first registered on 16th June 1965, in 1994. Over the next three years it was completely restored to His Majesty’s exacting specification, with £8,500 being spent with the specialist company Taylormead on paint and bodywork, and a further £20,000 on the engine rebuild and spares, quite apart from expenditure on chromework and interior trim. Some receipts are available for inspection. The condition of the car reflects this significant expenditure. It is superbly presented in British Racing Green livery with light tan leatherwork and beige carpets, the interior woodwork and veneers being restored to perfection. The already generously equipped Daimler V8 250 is in this case complemented by the optional chrome wire wheels. A Pye radio is fitted. The engine compartment is particularly worthy of note indicating the attention to detail given to all components during the course of the restoration. Sadly, King Hussein had less than two years to enjoy this Daimler before his untimely death in 1999. Since the year 2000 this outstanding car has been the property of a noted connoisseur of fine motor cars, sharing a stable with other exclusive cars and being meticulously maintained. During this time, and indeed since restoration during King Hussein’s ownership, it has covered minimal mileage and will require careful running in. Quite the best V8 250 that we have seen, this car comes with a registration document recording its distinguished provenance, together with a current MoT certificate.