Stately British Charm

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Is it a Jaguar or is it a Daimler, and would it matter if a get-away driver turned up to a bank job in the Daimler instead of the bank robbers’ favourite, the lookalike Jag Mk2? After all, to the untrained eye the Daimler 250 V8 looks the same as a Jaguar Mk2. However, while the visual differences are subtle, it’s what’s under the bonnet that really sets them apart. Read on...

The car we have here is a Daimler 250 V8, and its existence came about in a slightly odd way for the time. Jaguar bought Daimler from BSA in 1960, not for its cars, but for its manufacturing capacity and engineering skills. Jaguar were looking to expand and buying Daimler and its factory made sense. Jaguar weren’t interested in developing an all new Daimler but were convinced to launch a Daimler badged car. The result was the Daimler 250 V8.

As mentioned at the start, the difference between the Jag and Daimler is the engine and transmission. The flagship Jaguar Mk2 had a 3.8L Straight six similar the one used in the E-Type. It was powerful, fast and quite sporty for a four door sedan, that’s why they were the car of choice for bank robbers, who needed passenger space and a decent boot for the loot.

The Daimler, on the other hand, has a Daimler designed V8 that coupled to an auto transmission gives it a more unhurried demeanour. Some might say it is the more dignified of the pair.

There are other differences between the two, but there are even more similarities – both super comfy, luxurious and beautiful.  But it’s the differing power-trains that could be the difference between a successful get-away from a bank job and getting caught by the fuzz, and this is why it’s the job of the get-away driver to know his Jags from his Daimlers.

But for those of us that don’t require a swift exit from a crime scene the Daimler 250 V8 is a great choice. The V8 is a reliable lump with a satisfying rumble, and prices for the Daimler are far more attractive than those of its big brother Jaguar. And the only people who’ll notice are blokes in flat caps and retired get-away drivers.

More details on how to buy this stunning example of stately British elegance are here.