This front view of the 408 shows the large rectangular radiator
aperture with its two driving lamps installed and the
new horizontal chromed grille vanes.

The Type 408 body is easily distinguished from the Type 407 by the flat panel bearing the headlights and the rectangular radiator grille aperture with emphatically horizontal chromed slats. Note also the the more pronounced angle in the metal fitted over the cantrails and at the perimeter of the roof. Two-tone paintwork was a standard feature of this type. Tramline style trims are applied to the flanks of the body, Pegasus badges are moved from the lower wing up to the side moulding level, and heavy duty kick plates are added to the lower body below the doors. Front side and flasher lamps have rectangular lenses. There is an adjustment rotary dial on the dash for another innovation - the Armstrong "Selectaride" shock absorbers fitted on the rear axle. Internal ventilation ducts are larger than those on the Type 407. The standard engine is 313cu.in. or 5130cc. Dash mounted buttons for the gear change selection are round.

Type 408 Mark 2

The 408 Mk2 was fitted with a 318 cu.in. (5211cc) engine and a new cast alloy gearbox, a hundredweight lighter than its steel predecessor. Dash-mounted buttons for the gear change are now rectangular. A hold lever was introduced to lock the transmission only when parking; it must be disengaged before selecting drive ratios.

Wheelbase 2896 mm 114 in   Track front 1346 mm 53 in   rear 1384 mm 54.5 in   Length 4915 mm 193.5 in   Width 1727 mm 68 in   Height 1500 mm 59.1 in   Kerb weight 1600 kg 3527 lb   engine Manufacturer Chrysler Type V-8 OHV 16 valves total 2 valves per cylinder Bore × stroke 98.55mm × 84.07mm 3.88 in × 3.31 in Bore/Stroke ratio 1.17 Displacement 5130 cc (313.052 cu in) Unitary capacity 641.25 cc/cylinder Compression ratio 9.00:1 Fuel system 1 Ca carb Aspiration Normal Max. output 253.5 PS (250.0 bhp) (186.4 kW) @4400 rpm Max. torque 460.0 Nm (339 lbft) (46.9 kgm) @2800 rpm Maximum rpm   Coolant Water Specific output 48.7 bhp/litre 0.8 bhp/cu in Specific torque 89.67 Nm/litre 0-Quarter-mile 17.00s  Top speed 125 mph Power-to-weight 156.25 bhp/ton chassis Engine location Front Engine alignment Longitudinal Suspension Front I.CS. Rear LA.CS. Brakes F/R Di/Di-S Brake ∅ F/R / mm Transmission 3A Drive RWD Top gear ratio 1.00 Final drive ratio 3.31