1970 Daimler Series 1 – Project Profile

You can’t go wrong with an old Jaguar or, better still, an old Daimler. There’s something quite menacing about them, a classic that isn’t intimidated by the modern offerings that surround it on today’s roads. They still have presence, they still garner respect and they still look great. In many ways, they are the perfect classic. The car we have here, a stunning blue 1970 Daimler 2.8 Series 1 is a glowing example of everything we just mentioned. Drink in those lines and tell us you’re not falling in love with it. Go on. You can’t, can you? It’s utterly beguiling, despite being nothing more than a traditional ‘three box’ saloon. Well played, Daimler. Well. Played.

Then of course there are the pleasant, positive realities that come from owning such a car. Yes, it’s a bona fide classic, but this is one you could use on the regular. There is a booming aftermarket at play, in which you can find new old stock parts, reproduction parts and used parts. Keeping this old Daimler on the road would be no more difficult than a modern Ford Fiesta. However, unlike the Fiesta, the Daimler would cause red ropes to part, it would set the neighbour’s curtains a’twitching and it would make you the coolest cat in the company car park. Just think, finish a long day at the office and then waft home in this. Perfection.

What is it?

As we mentioned above, the car here is a 1970 Daimler 2.8 Series 1. Offered in what appears to be original, unrestored condition, this old Daimler is quite the find. The odometer has just about ticked over 50,000 miles and a look online shows the car was on the road as recently as 2020, as the last MOT pass was in late 2019. The car runs and drives according to the seller, though there is some work needed, we’ll get to that shortly. As it stands, this is an exceptionally good-looking machine. The high resolution images go to show a fairly honest looking machine, with no significant damage nor any immediately obvious poor previous repair. It sits straight and true, the chrome still shines, the glass looks good and the interior is still sumptuous and welcoming, if a little ‘broken in’. It is fifty-two years old.

Why is it a project? 

Now then, it wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t some spanner-turning required. And on that front, there is good and potentially bad news. Starting with the good, we have looked through the MOT history and it seems this Daimler has lived a careful life. Other than what we think might be surface corrosion, there is no visible mention of rot. Nor is there any mention of any welding having ever been done, at least not in response to an MOT fail. It’s had the odd oil leak, issues with brakes and a few perished bushes, but each time the car has gone back to pass. So it’s been looked after. The last MOT in November of 2019 advised on play in a wheel bearing and underside corrosion. Sounds like stuff you could get in front of quite easily. Less easy is the engine. The seller states the car runs and drives, but that “an engine rebuild would ideally be the best route”. This might just be overcautious forewarning though, as the car has been off the road for a couple of years. If it does need a full rebuild, don’t fret. There are parts out there should you want to do it yourself, and if not, there are plenty of specialists who will take the job on.

Five things to look for: 

1) Chassis

The mention on the MOT history of underbody corrosion of course needs investigating. However, given this model’s propensity to rot, the fact the corrosion is only an advisory is a good thing. There is history to back up the low mileage, which has no doubt helped this car. But we wouldn’t be surprised if this Daimler has never been out in winter. Get underneath it and check, with any luck it might just be a wire brush and Hammerite job.

2) Body

The body looks pretty darn good, the panel gaps seem to be excellent, the doors hang well and it all looks very pleasing. But, it’s fifty-two years old, so it might have seen a bit of filler or repair in the past. Valances, front wings around the lights, bonnet and door bottoms could all have rotted. Take a magnet, and make sure it’s all still tin.

3) Engine

The Daimler was on the road up until, relatively speaking, recently. So why does the seller suggest a rebuild is the way to go? This is something you’d need to investigate. It can’t be all that serious, as the car is still running and driving, and it has never failed an MOT on emissions. If there is something terminal, don’t fret. Parts are plentiful and this 2.8 straight-six is remarkably easy to work on.

4) Suspension

You buy a Daimler for the way it rides, so you want to make sure this one has decent suspension, or at least potentially decent. It’s had advisories in the past for various bushes and so on, which makes sense as it’s a heavy old machine. Have a look underneath and see how they look. Check the shocks for any signs of weeping. Parts are readily available, but suspension work is never fun. Something to consider.

5) Transmission

As the car is running and driving, it would make sense to check the transmission. Does it shift as it should, does it behave in a consistent manner no matter what the engine temperature, is the fluid still a nice cherry red, and is there enough of it? Just basic checks, for peace of mind if nothing else.

What should you do with it? 

This strikes us as being a very honest, very original Daimler, and as such, we would be inclined to take that forward. Yes, you could go for it and strip it down and restore it, but to what end? There is a charm and honesty to the condition it is in now, and crucially, nothing seems to need major attention. We’d go for an ‘oily rag’ restoration and just get it on the road and enjoy it. You can’t replicate patina and originality like this, so why change anything?