Weekly Motor Fix: best of British

2 December, 2015

In an effort to reinvigorate the Daimler marque after acquiring the company in the early ’60s, Jaguar slotted Daimler’s 2.5-litre V8 into their Mk2 body and introduced the new model in 1962. Designed by Edward Turner, this jewel of an engine truly complemented the car’s handsome and curvaceous body perfectly.

Keeping costs to a minimum, the Mk 2 Jaguar bodyshell received only minor modifications, including a revised rear valance to accommodate the V8’s twin-exhaust tail pipes plus a few alterations to the engine mounts.

Despite the Daimler wearing many Jaguar Mk2 trim items, the Daimler, got its own entirely redesigned grille consisting of the marque’s long-established sculptured flutes across the top of the surround. The grille was devoid of any engine size badge; instead, this appeared on the boot lid in the shape of a redesigned traditional ‘Daimler’ script and V8 emblem. Following on from the handsome grille design, the chrome-plated number plate surround also sported those trademark flutes.

To complete the Daimler’s new identity, new wheel trims were fitted boasting a chromed ‘D’ motif against a black background in the centre section.

The interior also received a minor makeover. Gone was the centre console that graced the Jaguar’s interior — this was replaced with a small panel under the centre of the dash panel, finished in walnut veneer to match the main dashboard. Other differences included a split front-seat arrangement, with twin centrally mounted armrests and recliners offered as options. Daimlers also shared the same steering wheel as their Mk2 cousin, the only difference being the ‘D’ badging in the centre. Unlike late-’60s Jaguars, the Daimler never suffered the indignity of vinyl upholstery as it was treated to full-leather trim. To put in bluntly, the Daimler may have been considered a ‘bitza’ when it emerged from Coventry back in 1962, but this stylish, luxuriously appointed combination proved to be one of the finest cars of its era.

This pristine example has been lovingly cared for by its current owner and has received a total restoration. The finishing touches include 205/70 R15 Cooper whitewalls, new exhaust system, and tail pipes. The front seats have been replaced, and many hours have been spent fettling the engine to the point that the Turner V8 now purrs and sounds absolutely fantastic.

So, this Daimler continues the journey it first set out on 48 years ago — still capable of bringing a smile to onlookers and other road users, as well as giving the driver an extreme amount of pleasure.

This car is reluctantly offered for sale due to another classic car purchase. For further details refer to the Editors’ Pick in our special January issue of New Zealand Classic Car magazine — celebrating 300 issues of the magazine — on sale December 14.

Coaching from the bench: Casting plastic knobs and rubber parts

16 July, 2026

Casting rubber items is simple if you have a good original to work with. The item doesn’t have to be perfect. You can use plasticine to smooth out cracks, and you can even make whole prototypes out of low-fire modelling clay available from craft stores if you need to. Prototypes can also be made of wood or metal.
You will need mould dams to contain the liquid urethane moulding solution until it cures. You can build boxes out of strips of wood, but I have found that small plastic boxes and bowls such as those you would use for leftovers in your fridge work well if you spray them with a mould release agent.
Temperature is important to the chemical processes involved, so work in an area that can be maintained at around 20 degrees. You will also need adequate ventilation because the fumes can be dangerous to breathe. And you will want to wear latex gloves to protect your hands.

Fraser Cars – low flying into the fourth decade

10 July, 2026

With almost three and a half decades under its belt, Fraser Cars is one of New Zealand’s longest-surviving car manufacturers. The company first opened its doors for business in 1988, during the boom time for kit manufacturers. During the ’80s, around 40 different companies were building kits and turnkey cars for this niche market. Of those, only Fraser and Almac Cars (established 1981) are still in business today.
Most of the new kit car companies were killed off in the cradle by the threat of new legislation that never eventuated and definitively by the sudden availability of high-performance Japanese cars when the floodgates to second-hand imports were opened. The now long-retired founder of the company, Neil Fraser, first came across Lotus Seven replicas while racing Lotus Cortinas in the early ’80s. He regularly found himself racing against a little Caterham, a Lotus Seven–styled car built in England. He was very impressed by its simplicity and handling. In 1986 Fraser built his own Lotus Seven–type car, using the knowledge he had gained from several close looks at the Caterham.

Weekly Motor Fix: best of British

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