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millwatermotors This month we meet local Millwater resident Layne Skelton, owner of a classic 1982 Daimler and who is passionately dedicated to restoring it to its original condition. Layne comes from Barnsley in Yorkshire, UK, where he was a mechanical engineer in Britain’s coalmines before moving on to become involved in sales and marketing for mobile hydraulics systems that are used in fork lift trucks, excavators etc. This was followed by becoming sales and marketing director in the paper manufacturing industry in the UK. Layne and wife Lorraine moved to New Zealand in 1997 – the year that was indelibly marked three months later by the tragic death of Princess Diana. Layne soon started his own consultancy in business strategy and change management, before moving to become the current Operations Manager for Project and Service delivery for the corporate business side of Vodafone NZ. The engineer in Layne needed his own project to manage and he had been on the lookout for a classic British car that needed restoration. Eventually, in February last year, he found his project car on Trade Me. The Daimler had been stored for about 10 years, only partly restored by an owner who has lost enthusiasm for the car. Layne has systematically stripped the car’s mechanicals down to nut and bolt level, repairing or replacing where necessary, before re-assembling and testing. A few mechanical items still
need attention, but Layne is confident that the car will be a runner before the end of the year. The 1982 Daimler, with its original burgundy coachwork and gold coachline trim, original cream leather interior and original wheels, is in excellent condition. The 4.2 litre Series III dual overhead cam hemi engine, with fuel injection, is rated at 220 BHP. The XK straight six engine used by Jaguar/Daimler was in production between 1949 and 1992 – a seriously long run for what proved to be a superb engine. Layne’s car still has original steering joints with grease nipples and, an unusual feature, has inboard brake discs at the rear instead of on the wheels. The large twin fuel tanks – essential as the Daimler is a thirsty lady – are switched over manually. Layne and Lorraine have three NZ-born children and they are a proud Kiwi family nowadays, with a deep love for Millwater. You may have seen Layne riding his Honda 1300S motorcycle to and from work; always within the posted speed limits and ever-conscious that there are little ones living nearby. We look forward to seeing the Daimler around Millwater roads later this year.
