Daimler 2500 V8 Saloon '66

• Belgian papers
• Booklets and invoices
• Original state

The Daimler 2.5-V8 (or 2½ litre V8) was launched late in 1962, and was essentially a rebadged Jaguar Mk2, but fitted with Daimler's 2.5 litres V8 engine; aside from the engine, fluted (furrowed brow) grille and rear number plate surround, badges, drive-train and some interior details (such as a split-bench front seat and a black enamel steering wheel) the Daimler 2.5- was otherwise indistinguishable from the Jaguar Mark 2.

The 2.5-V8 was the first Jaguar designed car to have the Daimler badge. The Daimler V8 engine was more compact and therefore lighter than the six cylinder engine used in the Jaguar Mark 2, and weighed approximately 50 kg ("1 cwt") less. Spring and damper settings were revised accordingly to suit the altered weight distribution.

At the end of 1965, the final drive ratio had been changed from 4.55:1 to 4.27:1, addressing complaints that the car as launched in 1963 had needed to exceed its recommended rev limit in order to reach its top speed, with a corresponding penalty in fuel consumption and engine noise and wear. The testers found the car refined and well equipped with efficient, if rather heavy, brakes. The engine and transmission were felt to be well matched. The car was quiet and smooth but short on low speed torque.

Specifications:

Bodywork. Length/width/height/wheelbase – cm (in): 459/169/143/272 (180.7/66.7/56.5/107.4); weight : 1473 kg ( 3247 lb).

Engine. Front-mounted V8 2548 cc (155 ci), 2 SU carbs, 16 valves, automatic 3-speed gearbox, rear-wheel drive. Maximum power : 142 bhp @ 5800 rpm; torque : 210 Nm @ 3800 rpm. Top speed : 180 km/h (112 mph).