Royal Daimler For Sale - NOW SOLD
1965 Daimler 250 V8 Saloon Auto £29,995 Euro 34,495
Purchased in 1994 by King Hussein of Jordan, this beautiful Daimler then underwent a 3 year restoration to his Majesty's exacting specification. The V5 shows him as the registered keeper at the house he owned in Ascot. The work cost in excess of £30,000 and the condition of the car reflects this significant expenditure, even twelve years on from the restoration, this car is still stunning beautifully, and could quite easily be the best example in the world. Finished in faultless British Racing Green with Tan interior, fully detailed engine bay and chrome wire wheels.
Many of the world’s rulers, from the Kaiser to the King of Siam, have numbered Coventry Daimlers amongst their State vehicles, including The British Royal Family who have owned over 100.
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, in 1994. Over the next three years it was completely restored to His Majesty’s instructions, 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 substantial outlay. 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 three noted connoisseurs 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. 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.
Historical Footnotes
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 MkII. 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.