Supplied new by Coombs of Guildford in 1974, its first owner kept this car for a period of 29 years. Retaining its original Coombs number plates and incredibly rare original Coombs key fob, it is now offered for sale with its original Handbook, colour chart and Daimler Passport to Service. The comprehensive History File contains invoices from 1976 – 2003 from the same garage (Robe & Hitchens Ltd Surrey) along with a host of additional service and maintenance invoices. Also in the history file, is the factory PDI (pre – delivery Inspection sheet) to the Surrey dealership along with an MOT print out for the last 10 years confirming the cars commensurate low mileage, now indicating 47,939 miles. The neat file lists all 4 subsequent owners who have all clearly played their part in maintaining this delightful example of Daimler’s top of the range from 1974.
Exterior
Distinctively finished in Greensand with Olive leather and Olive Green carpets, this low mileage, superbly kempt example will suit any Daimler aficionado and enthusiast. All chrome is in good condition with the exception, perhaps, of the rear bumper which does now show some – not offensive – time related pitting. The car has received some additional paintwork over the years, and it’s by no means perfect but, it has been nicely applied and no one can deny that the colour is a real head-turner and almost impossible to drive without people pointing in amazement. Confirmation of the cars original condition is the factory fitted SICURSIV Tempered glass, including the windscreen.
Interior
This beautiful low mileage environment is finished in Olive Connolly leather with nicely contrasting olive green carpets. The colour combination is confirmed by the cars original book pack which includes a marque colour guide and Daimler Sovereign Service Handbook. Everything works, including the clock with both twin fuel tanks switching over as they did when leaving the factory. A recent necessary addition is a new headlining which is sadly typical of the marque for this period. Being perhaps over critical, the front passenger door has a tiny leather nick and both sun visors are now showing some signs of wear, but we are perhaps being over critical. A modern Pioneer radio is now fitted but is not offensive as so many of them can be. Overall, the interior is a complete joy and commensurate with such a low mileage example.
Engine & Transmission
Fastidiously maintained by one dealership (Robe & Hitchens Ltd Surrey) from 1974 until 2003 right up to 42,970 miles, the packed history file is an enthusiasts dream. In accordance with the high level of maintenance, in August 1988 at 26,891 miles, the car receives a replacement genuine new Jaguar supplied engine, we believe because of British Leyland valve seating issues at the time. So although the current Odometer reading of 47,939 fits the car perfectly, the engine has essentially run less than half of this amount. The engine bay presents beautifully and clearly shows a high level of maintenance and care. The car starts runs and drives superbly well. The automatic gearbox has no issues and selects well with power steering as smooth and light as the marque had intended. At some stage, a manual choke has been fitted which we’ve actually not found necessary when starting.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
The immaculate, original factory chrome pressed wheels are shod in appropriate Cooper Lifeliner 205/70 R15 Whitewall tyres with plenty of tread remaining. Braking is superb and correct for the period. A nice touch is the cars original toolkit and jack.