V8 Muscle Cars... But of the Polite English Variety

BIRMINGHAM – September 28, 2009: British luxury saloons with a muscle-car twist are storming into this year’s Classic Motor Show. Often seen as well-appointed and roomy, the Show is serving up traditional saloons with extra spice.

The ultimate in Humber and Daimler power will be on display, redefining the word ‘musclecar’.

First out of the traps is a Humber Imperial fitted from new with a V8. The car was built specially for company chairman Lord Rootes and is currently undergoing a full restoration. Highly regarded in classic car circles, the added-grunt Imperial is sure to attract the classic car cognoscenti.

Also bringing a V8 burble with it is a 4.5-litre Daimler Majestic Major. For many years seen as the undisputed British luxury muscle saloon, the Majestic Major was renowned for its tarmac-rippling power, discreetly clad in a voluminous, traditional saloon body which proved popular with company chairmen and mayors of large cities.

It’s 50 years since Daimler unveiled its legendary V8, which came in 4.5-litre guise for the Majestic, and 2.5-litre form for the Jaguar Mark Two-derived V8 250 and SP250 sports car.

Look out too for examples of the Rover P5B – the former three-litre model was given a welcome power hike when the 3.5-litre V8 was added in 1967. Unlike the all-British Daimler V8, the Rover engine was bought from US car maker Buick, and enjoyed a production run into the new millennium.

Held from the 13-15th November at the NEC near Birmingham, the Classic Motor Show is Britain’s largest classic motoring event with thousands of wide-ranging cars on show as well as a dedicated Classic Bike hall. For more information, the latest show updates and to book tickets, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.