suitability of Mk2 /Daimler as daily driver

[vegas602]

Hi, having been away from classic cars for about 8 years, just wondered on what members thoughts were on how suitable the mark 2/Daimler 250's were as a daily driver. I had a Volvo p1800E for many years as my main vehicle which definitely drove better the more it was used. I have had Mg's, Beetles, Scimitars, Austin Healey, Triumph before, so am aware of the speed/performance/comfort etc issues compared to my modern Jag, but since I no longer do large mileages and am living in a quieter rural area (Cambs) without the traffic of the South East where we used to live, I quite fancy going back to interesting motoring. Anyone out there doing the same and can recommend a garage/workshop for these vehicles in the Kings Lynn/Wisbech area? Phil

[Martec]

When new they were an everyday car, but WE have become older and probably softer. Compared to your modern Jaguar, if you have a bigger engined car then you will find the clutch heavier and the unassisted steering also heavy, plus the standard brakes will not be anywhere near as good.

I think they are a lovely car to drive and use it as often as I can warrant the fuel (17mpg), but I have modified my car to overcome the above 'problems'. It depends what you want, originality warts and all or a few creature comforts and the lovely old style.

Brian

[RichT]

Hi Phil
I was wondering the same thing myself when I bought my mk 2 last year
I use my car as often as possible and do about 40 to 50 miles a week on average and would say the car is fine in modern traffic and has been reliable. I have been glad of access to two other cars when I have had to do repairs, which inevitably in the first fettling year is frequent. They don't seem the most water tight of beasts in heavy rain and steam up easily on cold damp mornings and absolutely hate salt and in protest turn ginger underneath and in winter there is a lot of chrome to protect so I do not think year round is the greatest idea

The main problem seems to be that you can never get anything done when you get to your destination as there is a queue of people wanting to talk to you or yell morse at you, I even had a standing ovation once. the British public seem to love these cars

and there is of course the constant face ache from the permanent grin you will be wearing when driving it
If you can cope with the constant tweaking and the real risk of serious rust from a myriad of water traps it's a blast so far but I think you need a backup car and acceptance of inevitable remedial work but if you have owned classics before this will not be news

Cheers

Richard

[vegas602]

Thanks for the replies guys. I know the 3.8 is thirsty, but not sure how the 2.4,3.4 or Daimler is in modern day traffic (although to be fair there isnt a huge amount of traffic here in the Kings Lynn/ Wisbech area compared to the S East where I lived then). I used my P1800 for about 7 years as a main car without too much hassle,especially as I had found an old fashioned mechanic that could sort things that I couldnt without having to rely on diagnostics as many do today. Having moved to Cambs, Im still looking for a similar 0ld fashioned mechanic. The Volvo also had typical traits of an old car-very heavy steering when parking, not particularly economical, no air con, poor brakes, noisy(when compared to modern stuff) etc..but it was a joy to drive. I also had the Volvo's heads conerted for unleaded-didn't know how expensive that was to have done on the Jags? Back up wise, Ive also got a motorbike plus wifes car, so that aspect isn't a problem.
Phil

[RichT]

I have a 3.4 auto with pas and it is easier to drive than my wife's modern merc, it returns 21 mpg on a good day and is quick enough to be fun no tax 150 to insure with breakdown cover. I have driven the 3.8 it is quicker but IMHO not as smooth and thirstier c17 mpg and a premium to buy in the first place, if cost is an issue.

They say that the 3.4 is the most reliable engine and I believe can run happily on unleaded, spares supply is good,

I have no experience of the 2.4 or v8 but it is said the v8 and the later 240 have a bit more oomph than the early 2.4 and as a bonus are quite a bit cheaper to buy

Cheers

Richard

[oldtimer]

Brian,
Your comment makes me feel really, really old cos a Mk2 was my daily transport. I commuted from London to Anglesey at week ends for five months back in the early 60's. It was a real flyer compared with other vehicles of the day. Then I had a nearly new 66 S type. More refined than the Mk2 but not quite so much fun. I never gave a thought to heavy steering or thought the brakes were not so hot. My first car had cable brakes, now that really did frighten you f**t less.
Happy days
Oldtimer

PS Will we see you at southern day (tomorrow) or is that a bit out of your reach

[Martec]

Hi Vegas,

Try this list on FBHVC site of historic vehicle friendly MOT stations, as most do garage work as well. http://fbhvc.co.uk/legislation-and-fuel ... -stations/

My problems with our 3.8 MkII came from the wrong front springs fitted before I bought the wreck and I suffered neck, back and leg pains. I servo-ed the clutch, fitted power steering and uprated brakes and still took the car touring in Europe, the problems we experienced were from not fitting a large enough alternator for the heated rear window (3 ACR18 alternators packed up) and the brake servo after 13 years of use. also the ECU that I used for dual ignition maps (petrol and LPG) being spiked by the starter motor. The 3.8 engine has been utterly reliable regardless of what I've thrown at it.

I think all the MkII/ Daimler engines are reliable if they are understood and serviced well, there is the rub.

I drove a standard 3.4 back to back with my 3.8 and although there was a little power missing it drove just as well. the 3.8 is basically a 3.4 overbored and dry liner-ed. The trouble is power is addictive.

If I had found the spring problem early on I'm not sure how much of the mods I would have done.

Phil, by the time you read this you will know we didn't go to Littlecote, we were booked onto a local rally with the MkII, but insufficient numbers meant it was cancelled at the last minute. Plus it would have meant a 400 mile round trip and overnight stay for Littlecote, I don't have the stamina for long trips so much now, we did consider it though!

I have the MkII head unleaded, but at that time little was understood about unleaded and our 70mph motorway speed, I've since been told it was unnecessary except it has run on LPG for the last 30,000 miles (better now for the ECU map and NGK lambda probe).

Best wishes
Brian

[oldtimer]

Hi Brian,
Yes, a long drag for you to Little Cote, we would not have given it a second thought a few years back. Never mind ah, Look forward to meeting up at a future event.
P.

[alec2824]

I have a '64 Daimler v8. I love it! But, it is NOT an everyday car. It drives well and stops well, it uses a lot of fuel (17mpg) suffers from wind noise at speed, has a poor heater, steams up in humid conditions and has nervous rear springs - but puts a smile on my face and everyone else around. Enjoy them for what they are - modern cars are wonderful, reliable and dull!

[sweller]

My 1965 3.8 S type is my only car. I do have a couple of motorbikes and commute by train - I live in the southeast and cars are pretty useless here!

My mileage is not massive - say 5,000-6,000 miles a year with a European or Scottish driving holiday.

If you can do your own basic servicing (oil changes, greasing, points and plugs etc) and can live with the fuel consumption (I average 20-22 mpg) then I think they're fine a day to day car.