2001 Daimler Super V8 - Lift Off!

[Davidqhog]

Just in case anyone wants to follow this, my 2001 Daimler Super V8 has finally been given a new battery (Varta 100AH).

A couple of photos of the old girl.

On the advice of people on here and the excellent Paul Titheradge of Wiltshire Jaguar in Swindon, I fitted the battery this week in the barn where the car has been stored for the last 5 years (last 3 years without battery) and removed the two fuel pump fuses so I could get the oil circulating before starting up. On the first turn of the key, the engine turned over nicely and once or twice almost fired - some remaining juice in the pipes?

Put the fuses back in and turned the key again. Fired up first time!

Everything worked - windows, sunroof, wipers, lights. A few warning messages - ASC, NO TRAC and the ABS light on. Probably the result of no power for 3 years and sitting there for 5 years.

Next step is to insure it, get it over to Paul at Wiltshire Jaguar for a thorough check and replacement of all fluids - and probably tires too - before her MOT.

Planning to drive to SW France later in the year - in considerable style and comfort!

[andypryce]

Love the Daimler Super V8, one that goes 'under the radar' for many, a gem of a car.

[Davidqhog]

Love the Daimler Super V8, one that goes 'under the radar' for many, a gem of a car.

True, Andy. Beautiful looking car, comfortable, quiet and deceptively powerful. Just need to make sure the rust demon is kept at bay!

[Davidqhog]

So, today I went over to the farm where the Daimler is stored, refitted the battery & opened the huge barn doors for her first glimpse of daylight in 5 years. I remembered not to get too close to the car cover as last time I was coverd in dust & cobwebs when I refitted it. The lady of the house was not best pleased.

I had walked the track around the farm previously and someone has kindly mowed the grass today so I could see there were no nasty holes to crash the suspension.

So, started up on first turn of the key and settled to a gentle burble. Slowly drove her out through some fairly long grass and onto the trackway. Drove slowly off and everything seemed fine (the warning lights from last week - NO TRAC, ASC, ABS - had all gone, thank goodness) . Increased speed, tried the brakes and she slowed although some noise from the no-doubt-rusted discs. Got up to 40 mph for a little before dropping it back. All smooth, albeit a bit jiggly on a farm track.

Amazingly, although no rain was forecast, a slight drizzle set in just after I got her back in the barn. Glad she didn't get wet yet. Cover back on, avoiding the dust & cobwebs.

Now booked in at Wiltshire Jaguar in Swindon mid-July for a major check up, all fluid replacments and, hopefully, MOT.

I can't wait to get her back on the road again!

[andypryce]

[paulgulliver123870]

Well done David, just goes to prove how Bulletproof these are!
I am reluctantly selling my 1999 Super V8, but looking at your post makes want to keep her!
I have spent close to £9000 over the last 5 years and know shes good, but people come to view her and pick up on the silliest things, (Air-Con! mirror fold ! slightest orange-peel on a wing! ) what do you want for under £10,000. ??
I am seriously tempted to keep her now.
I do believe these are the next classic Jags and will appreciate in the next few years, And they could easily still be used as a daily driver.
Good luck and keep us posted mate.
Fingers crossed the little furry things and the rust monster have kept their distance.

[Davidqhog]

Thanks for the comments, everyone.

Time has not been kind to the old girl despite being in a dry/dusty barn and under a good cover.

Paul at https://mikeallenservices.com/, great chap, failed her on the MOT with rusted front chassis legs, perished front tyres and rusty discs (not sure the latter were a fail).

So I haven't seen the Daimler for a few weeks now as he and his team have been welding and changing all the fluids. It's taken a long time as I took it over to him in the middle of his team's holiday season, so reduced staffing.

He called me a couple of weeks to say it would be a fortnight or so before I'd see it again. Any day now, I hope!

He's going to reapply underseal once the work is done and we'll then have a chat about next steps in getting her back to her former glory. My idea of driving to SW France this month (September) are now on ice. Might have to be spring 2024.

I did ask Paul to do some before & after photos for me. When I get them, I'll post them here.

More anon.

DQ

[Andy P]

Thanks for the update David.
Hope you receive good news.
Take care.
Andy

[Davidqhog]

Well, the old girl is back on the road, fresh MOT and leaving my bank balance heavily mauled!

Welding to front chassis legs, fresh fluids all round, new washer pump, tyres, underseal, etc.

Drives beautifully now. Smooth, quite and very different to my 2005 Jaguar SV8. Only 4 years separates them in manufacturing but 20 or more years in technology.

Loving driving this car now and have to think seriously about getting all cavities rust protected as it's going to be a long term keeper (as, I hope, will be the Jaguar). Any advice on whether to waxoyl, Lanogard or any other system will be greatly appreciated!

[andypryce]

Good news,glad you have it sorted. As to rust proofing, I don’t think it matters too much which you choose as long as it is well applied. Lots of cavities on these cars to treat!