Majestic Major Saloon 4.5 V8 - 1963 - repair project (DQ451)

[helstebrod]

Good day folks,

A friend asked me to get his grandfather's car running, so it can eventually be sold. Since we have absolutely no clue with cars at all, I reach out to the few specialists out there. (for what it's worth, I only ride a japanese motorbike). Here's some specs:
-Majestic Major Saloon 4.5 V8 - mid 60's, full black outside, white cream interior
-Left hand drive, automatic gearbox
-It has 43k miles/70k km
-It always slept in a dry garage, until now
-All service were made in official garage, car was running regularly until 1990 (then the car collected dust)
-Car has no rust at all, except a tiny portion on the rear wing. (half a banknote sized)
-Original paint, no accidents ever, pristine condition, concours ready probably.
-Comes with all car documentation, even the original bill.

We would like to know what would be a fair buying price "as it is", given the fact we don't know what needs to be done (engine, fluids, etc), or else, what would be a fair price, if this car were to be serviced and prepared for hitting the road. I personally would maybe consider buying it, but I'm afraid of having to overspend to get it ready. What to be careful at, what budget to allow, and would such a car/model/configuration keep value over the years?
(In about two weeks from now, it will be controlled by a mechanic specialised with old-timers, but I am just curious to get other opinions)
Thanks so much for your inputs gents.
Warm Regards

[Stan Thomas]

Good morning Helstebrod,

I'm afraid it is impossible to value your grandfather's car, especially as you do not say which country you are in, given there is no fixed "global" value for any car, as what it may be worth varies considerably dependant upon area and interest and exchange rates etc. if you come to sell it in another country.

I can only suggest you contact whatever local classic car club etc. there may be in your area, or study and then advertise the car in whatever old car publications there maybe in your country. The only other advice I can give therefore is to at least get the car running, otherwise its value will be greatly depressed if you do decide to sell it.

[John-B]

Helstebrod, the DLOC would like to record details of the car so that it can be monitored in the future. When the car is being serviced, would it be possible to reply here with the registration number, colour externally and internally, chassis, engine and body numbers and any other details you think relevant.

The Club registrar for Majestic Majors is Marcus, a member of this forum.

Thanks

[Chris_R]

Left Hand drive Majestic Majors were very rare even during the time the cars were being made, I believe less than about 30 were made. Is the chassis number of yours in the range 136891 to 136915?
As Stan has said, it is very difficult to give a valuation. Generally though Daimlers are not a fashionable car and they only appeal to a few people to own and values are not very high. Not many come up for sale. There are a few listed on the carandclassic.co.uk website (Majestic Major for sale) with listed prices from £6,950 up to £34,990
I think the one listed at £34,990 is very overpriced, I don't think I have ever seen one sell for that price. The ex-Romanian embassy car also on that site was auctioned but I don't think it sold with a lower estimate of just over £17,000. Generally I think about £15,000 is probably about the best one can get for one of these cars but often as you can see on that website it can be a lot less. As I have one I wish it was more.
You don't restore one of these cars to make money on it. If it needs a lot of work then restoration costs will always be more than the car will be worth afterwards. You restore one of these cars because you like them, you want one, it's your hobby (or passion), you want to preserve something or you just enjoy it. You don't do it to make a profit. If you have a nice one you can possibly hire them for special occasions such as weddings or prom nights, they are the kind of car that can be used like that. Some people like to use a vintage car for their special event instead of a modern limousine.

[helstebrod]

@Stan Thomas, I thank you for your answer. I have reached out to a local club, pending answer. Indeed, it is certainly too early to know exactly how it would perform on the market I am located in, not knowing what needs to be done to get it running.
@John-B, with owner's agreement, I would certainly be willing to forward Marcus those numbers
@Chris_R Thanks for your inputs. I thought desirability on the market would be higher. It's a great looking car, but not to all of us apparently Couldn't agree more with your last paragraph.

This thread will be certainly kept up to date with new data, pictures, when the time is right. Thanks again, stay tuned!

[JDB]

They're not a particularly difficult car to restore if complete, but getting hold of parts for them can be a problem. I also find the sheer size of the thing to be an inconvenience but that's mainly down to restrictions in the space I have available.
Best of luck, John

[helstebrod]

Left Hand drive Majestic Majors were very rare even during the time the cars were being made, I believe less than about 30 were made. Is the chassis number of yours in the range 136891 to 136915?

Yes, chassis is in that range. I shall be only able to see the car next Monday. Soon more news. Hopefully with pictures.

[helstebrod]

A quick update from yesterday's visit (an English weather, here in Switzerland - yes that's my location - we couldn't get the car out, for that reason too)

Overall, I felt a bit deceived. But there must be a silver lining somewhere.

Exterior cosmetics appear to be in good condition, car body as well as chromes (except for lower panels, and around wheels) look good, very few dents, almost no rust. Not repainted (not 100% sure though). Car is said to be accident-free.
Inside: carpets, leather, wood dash, clocks, chromes are in excellent condition. Surprisingly?
Engine: it appears to have been well taken care of, it was clean, although one could see all oil had escaped on the floor. Radiator had its original fluid, which was in transparent cool blue color, with no debris floating.
Wheels: disc brakes are rusted, fluids have escaped, usual flat tires
Boot/trunk: quite rusted, although battery got removed it is clear it had leaked before, still quite a lot of rust around the extra wheel.
Frame: the biggest issue probably, all rusted. Impossible at this stage to tell how bad it is.
Floor panels: no possibility to check. Fingers crossed they are healthy.
Exhausts: rusted, missing end parts, on both sides.
Gas tank: rusted, from top to the inside, I guess.
Garage had a pit, apparently humidity might have come from down here, and would have attacked the lower part of the car. Not sure of that theory though. Happy to stand corrected.

Provenance is great! From first owner, no one drove it after his passing (32 years in a garage). Registered in Geneva end of February 1963. The car was some sort of a time capsule. By going trough what was inside, I could find 2 unopened packs of cigarettes, the driver's gloves, all original paperwork related to the car registration, maps from places owner went (or got driven to). It is almost a full set, were the vehicle log book and driving license not missing. Original licence plate might also be installed back on the car, since it stayed in the family. They might be willing to let it go, with the car. That would be neat. I was more excited about the provenance than the car.

Now after the teasing, here are some pictures:
Looking forward reading your comments!



















Lower panels rust

[JDB]

Hi, the car looks great from above, the corrosion shown in the photos of the underside looks relatively superficial, although without probing the surface a bit, it's very difficult to tell. The boot floors are usually a problem area and yours does not look too far gone. The sill shown in the last picture (not structural) may be an issue but even that is probably only surface rust, the little bit of the chassis visible beyond that looks fine, as does the cross member below the spare wheel well. As you say, it's impossible to tell without further investigation, but at this point I would not be particularly worried, it looks to be a very good car...but don't quote me on that! Incidentally, did it never have a "flying D" mascot?
Good luck, John

[Chris_R]

More pictures John on the Daimler Majestic Majors Facebook group page.