1964 Daimler SP250 Dart ‘Police Car’

For sale by auction on Saturday 30 August 2014 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
Introduced at the New York Motor Show of 1959. the Daimler Dart
was a V8 powered sports car with controversial styling. The
Dart name was soon dropped after the threat of legal action from
Chrysler who had a car of that name within their Dodge division;
thereafter this new sports car was known as the SP250.
Power was provided by the 2. 5 litre Edward Turner designed V8 that
soon became revered for the smoothness in its power delivery with
140bhp on tap. Independent double wishbone front suspension
at the front and half elliptical springs at the rear with a live
rear axle. kept the car on the road with stopping power supplied by
hydraulic disc brakes on all four corners. The coachwork was
constructed with glass reinforced plastic providing a tough. strong
and lightweight shape that enhanced performance with exciting and
non-traditional looks. The 120mph plus capability was
recognised by the police and were soon being used as a high speed
chase cars.

When purchased by the late vendor in 2005. the objective was to
restore this SP250 to the highest standard possible. Not only did
he successfully achieve his goal. he did so with a very interesting
motor car. This is one of the last 26 Daimler Darts to be purchased
by the Metropolitan Police with the original buff logbook stating
the first owner to be Metropolitan Police. New Scotland Yard. br/>London. SW1. The car has been restored to concours condition
and has won virtually every competition it has entered. The
fastidious owner was very knowledgeable within the motor trade with
many years experience with the Automobile Association. When
embarking on the restoration. he was meticulous in keeping records
on the work carried out and as a result ALM742B comes with two
folders of superbly presented history.

Upon our inspection of the Daimler. the engine started
immediately with the 2. 48cc V8 unit sounding delightful. The black
coachwork is in excellent order and the grey leather trim is also
in superb condition. The brightwork. together with the unmarked
chrome wire wheels is in keeping with the rest of the car. as is
the splendidly presented engine bay. This really is a magnificent
example of a highly desirable and interesting vehicle. right down
to the Pye radio system the Police operated and the 'Winkworth'
bell at the front. This is an opportunity to purchase an award
winning Daimler SP250 and is without doubt a Police car you would
want to be seen in.

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