Conference terri::cars_uk

	Here's what I know, purely from memory, and not necessarily
	de facto correct.

	Daimler V8 was upmarket variant of Jaguar 2.4,3.4, 3.8 series
	car. Made up to 1967. Hghly regarded in its time for smoothness
	and comfort. Differs from the jag in detail trim bits ie. Grill
	etc. and has 2.5 litre V8. All gearboxes are automatic (possibly
	US imports from Borg Warner??).

	Engine dates back to the 50's and was also used in the Daimler
	Dart, an incredibly ugly fibreglass 'sportscar'.

	In British conditions serious rusting arrived by 7 years of use.
	There is no part that does not rust. To survive 25years it must	
	have had a charmed life.

	Support for most aspects of the car ie. Jaguar common bits is
	doubtless very good. The unique bits ie. engine could be more
	difficult but are unlikely to be the major problem with such
	a car.

	I would suggest that the things to look for would be the 
	condition of the bodywork and interior (all leather and
	wood) more than anything else. These cars are probably quite
	sort after nowadays. Loads of chrome to polish, look really
	nice when shining.

	-John

The latest issue of Classic & Sportscars has a feature article on
all the postwar Jag sedans (saloons). Since the Damiler was essentially
the same except for the engine, it might be worth reading the article.

The engine was indeed used in the Daimler SP250 (as called in the US due
to Dart being a Chrysler name). Has always had a good reputation although
I can't speak for longevity.

I think the automatic transmission was a Borg Warner design. If so it
almost certainly shares parts with US versions.

    Look in the last issue of Your Classic(I think) There is a test on
    buying a second hand car, using the AA/RAC/engineers reports, the car
    they tested was a similar Jag to the one you are looking at.
    
    Carl.
     

    I replied to this last night, but the transfer failed, so I'll try
    again.

    The Daimler was produced with a manual gear-box in very limited
    numbers. SInce the car was aimed at the "old man" market, auto
    was regarded the standard.

    The car does not handle as well as the Jag version because it is
    too light at the front. The Jag engine is VERY heavy, the Daimler
    quite light. Having said that, neither handle too well on the
    original type of tyres. Radials help a lot.

    Main probelm with the car is rust. This attacks just about everywhere
    but it is worth looking at:

	door bottoms
	front wings (front, back, arch and bottom)
	rear suspension mounting points
	front cross member and crows-feet
	boot lid
	sills
	under rear seat (gives indication of how well the rear suspension
	is mounted)

    The cost of restoration for the body is very high, the cost of mechanical
    repair quite low, so look for one with a very good body.
 
    The Daimler is worth a lot less then the Mk II Jaguar. An excellent
    condition one will fetch about #10,000 in the UK. A very servicable
    one about #2500 to #3500. If it were a Mk II, you could probably buy
    a wreck for this price.

    It is an interesting, comfortable car to drive, and turns a lot of
    heads. If looked after, it will go on for ever ...


Mark    

    WARNING   WARNING   WARNING
    
    The automatic transmissions in the Jags (and the Rover 3500 imported
    here) were Borg Warners
    
    	BUT
    
    were not readily available here or based on any of the American Borg
    Warners!
    
    You may have to find a Jag dealer or parts (bring money)!
    
    	-Barry_who_tried_to_get_his_SD1_slushbox_repaired-
    

    Check the cars history. If it has been in Colorado - or other
    no-rust area , fine. Since new that is. Otherwise have a care.
    As previously noted, body repairs are no problem as long as
    your surname is Getty.
    
    Mike Day
    

    Yes, the engine has a hemi head. Ordinary single cam + pushrods; no
    messing with ohc or the Bristol/BMW 328 arrangement.  Designed I
    think by Edward Turner and based as far as I remember on the then
    current (late '50s) Triumph twin cyl. m/c engine, though obviously 4x
    the no. of cylinders, and changed to water cooling.  It was the cam and
    valve arrangements which I think were the same.  Aluminium head and
    crankcase & iron block I think. 
    
    Triumph connection not too surprising since Daimler belonged to
    BSA (who also owned Triumph) when this engine was designed. 
    
    Who knows - maybe some internal parts are interchangeable with a
    Bonneville?

    There was also a 4.5 litre version of the engine, used in the Daimler
    Majestic Major.

    Both versions of the engine have good reputation, except I read once
    that internal corrosion can be a problem. Probably a better unit than
    the Jag. XK, and a shame that Jaguar killed it off a few years after
    buying Daimler - which presumably they did just to acquire the name,
    given also that the Majestic Major, which they also killed, was a
    better car than the Jag. Mark 10 (faster, more economical, better
    handling). 
    
    The Daimler unit was used successfully in competition, most notably the
    British Hill Climb championship, which was won at least one year by a
    car (Cooper, followed another year by a 4wd Felday) powered by a highly
    tuned version - supercharged eventually I think.
    
    How about applying some US V8 tuning expertise to your car?  Should
    produce something really exciting.

    Richard

    ps Almost certain the auto is a BW type 35, as used in a great many
    small-medium cars of the period. 

    re last few
    The auction was this past Saturday, There was very little apparent 
    interest in the car, so I figured I would get it fairly reasonable?
    No Chance, the opening bid (over the phone) was $ 2K. I hadn't planned
    on going over $1.5k much less starting at $2k Thats what the car went
    for $2K plus 10% buyers premium (I have a STRONG opinion about buyers
    premiums, that I'll save for another time) The phone bid was the first 
    last and only one. I checked all the suggested areas for rust and there
    did not appear to be any except behind the rear wheel wells. There was
    however evidence of the car having been hit on the passenger (left)
    side (bodyfiller/bondo both doors and rear fender. I did meet someone
    there who was asking me if I wanted to buy a 1959 Jaguar Mk I for $6.2K
    claimed to be fully restored. If anyone is interested, I'll take a
    look. I guess for now I'll still be driving from the left side.
    Interesting tidbit, at this same auction there was a very ornate
    Victorian sofa that sold for $34K (plus the 10% buyers premium)
    I was obviously at the wrong auction ;-)
    Thanks for all the replies/information
    Barry
     

	The Sunday Times last week gave the price of this car as
	�12,000 in perfect order, down to �1,000 for a basket case.

	The wide range doubtless reflects the extent of decay that
	can occur.

	-John

    I have a 1973 Daimler Series I saloon (last of the short wheel base).
    I bought it 4 years ago on my company (yes .... contractor), as I used
    a motorcycle to get into the city.
    
    However, that 3-month contract ended ... and I went to work in Ipswich
    and then Plymouth. As a result, in the last 4 years I have put quite a
    few miles on the girl ... but she still looks like new, with
    practically no rust at all.   I've managed to keep it garaged most of
    the time. As for reliability .... it's *never* let me down, and what a
    lovely drive!    I now drive an XJS-HE, and 'sold' the daimler once but
    the chap's cheque bounced .... so I went and got it back. I am
    seariously considering keeping it, even tho' I can't afford it or have
    room for it.   Problem with this quandry is that it drives better than
    any car I have ever driven (and I've been driving for over 1/2 my
    life).
    
    What should I do chaps ... I've only got one garage, and that's at
    home, I'm contracting at SBP.   Anyone interested in a Series 1? Should
    I put it in the 'for sale' or not?  I'll probably miss it the moment it
    goes!
    
    I reckon it takes the biscuit for the best 'second car'. 'Spose I just
    love leather and walnut!
    
    Paul Wright 

    
    But you've got "leather and Walnut" in you XJS-HE, so you wouldn't be
    missing it !
    
    ;-)

    How much wad for it then Paul...??
    
    Paul

    
    	But the walnut in the XJS-HE is veneer .. the Daimler Soveriegn
    	is the REAL THING!
    
    	How much .... open to offers.   Bought it for 5000, the bloke who
    	wanted it paid twice that (but I've rebuilt the Engine and gearbox,
    	and had a complete paint job because it was look slightly faded.
    
    	Have a look at it ... and make an offer ..... one condition: I get
    	first refusal to buy it back when you (if you ever do) want to get
    	'rid' of it!
    
    	Paul

>>   <<< Note 951.13 by CHEST::WRIGHTP "Tel: (0836) 299508 or (05395) 36001" >>>
>>                          -< Not real veneer in XJS! >-

>>    	But the walnut in the XJS-HE is veneer .. the Daimler Soveriegn
>>    	is the REAL THING!
    
    
    ?? Walnut veneer is a veneer (i.e. thin layer) or Walnut wood it IS the
    real thing. I bet the daimler doesn't have SOLID Walnut, which is the
    only alternative?.
    
    Richard

    
    	
    	I'll have a MUCH closer look lunchtime and let you know!
    
    	Interesting how the wood inside the glove-box is darker
    	where the sunlight has'nt slightly faded it.  Actually, I
    	like the slightly lighter shade.
    
    	Paul  

    Yes it looks real because it IS, but it's only a fraction of an inch
    thick, laid on cheap wood. You'll have a hard job detecting unless you
    can get behind it, or drill into it!
    
    
    Richard

    AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    
    It took a *really* close look at the glove-box lid (complete with
    matching, tilting mirror I'll have you know), to realise it really
    is ...
    
    
     .... only veneer.
    
    Yup .... but looks great anyway.

Veneers aren't used because it's cheap, or easy.  It's the best way to do it,
viz:

Use a strong wood for the structure, regardless of its appearance.  Plywood is
good because it doesn't warp much.  Then use a pretty veneer to give the
required finish.  If you made the dash out of solid walnut, it would look awful
after 24 years...

Also, as the veneer doesn't need to contribute to the structure, they cut it
for maximum prettiness rather than maximum strength.

Scott, who's got to make a walnut-veneer dash for the Moss, so hopes he knows
what he's talking about...

    
    Looks beautiful after 19 years tho'
    
    Have a look, and drive!
    Paul

	Isn't this car an XJ6 with a different grille?

	-John

    First of the 'new' jag shapes, yes... bigger chrome grille and chrome
    bumpers.
    
    Paul

    
    What engine has it got?

    4.2